Coronavirus rates in Richmond have fallen, the latest data from Public Health England shows.

It is an early sign that Tier 2 restrictions, imposed before the current lockdown, were beginning to slow the spread of the virus.

For the week October 26 to November 1, Richmond recorded 134.84 new cases per 100,000 people, compared to 162.61 the week before.

Kingston had a rate of 144.22 cases per 100,000 people – a large drop from last week's rate of 196.61 cases.

Richmond Council leader Gareth Roberts gave his weekly video address to the borough today and you can watch it at the top of this story.

He said: "We know that when the capital moved into the high tier just two weeks ago, that this had a beneficial effect on slowing the rate of infection across the capital, and it is very much hoped that this new lockdown will have a similar effect.

"Therefore it is absolutely vital that if we are to return to any sense of normalcy that we follow all of the lockdown rules."

He assured residents that the council is reopening its Community Hub for the second lockdown, which can be contacted by dialling 020 8871 6555 or visiting the council's new webpage.

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Medical chief's message

Commenting on the new national lockdown, which came into effect yesterday (Thursday, November 5), London regional director for Public Health England Professor Kevin Fenton cautioned that "high infection rates lead to increasing hospital admissions".

He said: "The next four weeks of national restrictions provides an opportunity to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in London at the start of the crucial winter period.

"Londoners have a history of pulling together in times of need and it's important that we do the same again to make these weeks really count. We have all made sacrifices recently but we need to keep going to reverse the trends and projections we have been seeing.

"To keep us all safe this winter, the best advice is to stay at home where you can, wear a mask in public spaces, maintain your social distance and regularly wash hands.

"Remember to get a test and self-isolate if you have any symptoms suggestive of coronavirus."