London has been placed on the national watchlist for Covid-19, raising the spectre of tighter restrictions in the capital.

A newsletter titled COVID-19: Help us avoid a local lockdown was sent out afterwards by Richmond Council.

"This is a Coronavirus special update for residents in Richmond upon Thames," the email sent shortly after 1pm (Friday, September 25) reads.

"Today, as London goes on the national Covid-19 watchlist, it is a stark reminder that now is time for us all to pull together and take action to keep ourselves, our families and communities safe.

"There are no additional measures for London at this stage but we all need to play our part and follow the guidance!"

The email contains resources and information about the pandemic. Click the links below to read more about them.

• the covid case tracker which uses official figures to report the number of new cases in Richmond, rate of infection and number of deaths
• council leader Gareth Roberts' most recent video update
• the new NHS COVID-19 which everyone with a smartphone has been encouraged to download
• Guidance on making your business covid-safe

National covid watchlist

The watchlist is managed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock and is informed by data and recommendations from bodies including NHS Test and Trace and Public Health England.

Others around the UK on the list include Blackburn and Bolton.

Councils around London are now pressing their constituents to take the guidance on Covid-19 more seriously so that the capital is not placed under lockdown.

You can read our most recent stories about the pandemic below.

More covid coverage:

22 new cases, no deaths, fewer tests again - latest Covid-19 update

What does the new NHS COVID-19 app do?

How police will 'step up' enforcement of new covid rules in Richmond

Twickenham testing centre to remain open as fans frozen out of rugby games

Sarah Olney: SEN teachers must get priority in covid testing

'We must take threat of massive increase in deaths seriously'