The new coronavirus, and in particular its so-called English variant, would be "out of control" in London, mayor Sadiq Khan alarmed on Friday.
According to him, hospitals in the British capital risk being quickly "overwhelmed".
"The situation in London is now critical, with the virus spreading out of control," the Labor elected official said in a statement.
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"We will run out of beds in the next two weeks if the spread of the virus does not slow down drastically," he added, noting that 7,034 people were hospitalized with Covid-19 in the capital, or 35% more than during the peak of the first wave in April.
The border with France kept closed
On the French side, the English variant continues to grow.
At a press conference Thursday evening, Prime Minister Jean Castex said the border with the United Kingdom would remain closed "until further notice" after the discovery of several cases in France.
"Only certain categories of people" will be able to cross it, provided they are tested before entering France, the head of government announced.
