London will move into England's highest tier of coronavirus restrictions from Wednesday as a result of soaring case rates.
England's health secretary Matt Hancock will set out the move, which is also expected to apply to parts of Essex and Hertfordshire, in a statement to the UK parliament.
London MPs briefed on the plans said a sharp rise in cases meant Mr Hancock was unable to wait until the scheduled review of England’s tiers on Wednesday.
One MP said they were told that cases are doubling every seven days in London.
Mr Hancock is expected to use his statement to outline financial support available to areas under the highest level of restrictions.
It follows warnings from London mayor Sadiq Khan that the restrictions – which will involve the closure of pubs and restaurants except for takeaway and delivery services – would have a “catastrophic” economic impact.
