There have now been over 100 confirmed coronavirus cases across Waltham Forest and Redbridge.

Public Health England reported six new cases of Covid-19 in Waltham Forest, bringing the borough’s total to 56 and five new cases in Redbridge, which now totals 50.

London accounts for 2,433 of the UK’s 6,650 total cases of the deadly virus which has so far claimed 335 lives.

Yesterday evening, the Prime Minister announced strict new measures to tackle the spread of the virus.

People should only leave home to exercise once a day, to travel to and from work where “absolutely necessary”, shop for essential supplies, and fulfil medical needs.

Boris Johnson also ordered the closure of non-essential shops, including electronic stores and clothing stores.

Police have been handed emergency powers to enforce these rules, including breaking up public gatherings of two or more people.

The new measures follow a weekend on which swathes of the British population ignored the government’s guidance on “social distancing” with crowds flocking to markets, parks and beaches.

The new rules are in place for three weeks, at which point they will be reviewed.

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