Harrow could be at risk of facing Tier 3 Covid-19 measures if the borough’s infection rate pattern continues, its council leader has said.

Cllr Graham Henson, leader of Harrow Council, told an overview and scrutiny committee on Tuesday (October 20) that the area could be moved to ‘very high alert’ unless things change quickly.

The Government’s tiered system for managing the coronavirus pandemic means different parts of the country face more or fewer restrictions based on their infection rates.

Harrow – along with the rest of London – moved to Tier 2, ‘high alert’, on Saturday (October 17), which means separate households cannot mix indoors, including in pubs and restaurants.

And Cllr Henson said a continued increase in Covid-19 cases across the capital means further changes could be implemented soon.

“Unless we can control the infection rates and get them down, we’re likely to move into Tier 3,” he said.

“The problem with that is you don’t know when you’re going to get out of it.”

Under Tier 3 restrictions, people from separate households cannot meet up, whether inside or outdoors, pubs and bars must close unless they operate as a restaurant, with alcohol only served with “substantial meals”, and people should avoid travelling to and from the ‘high alert’ area where possible.

Liverpool city region was the first area to be placed under the tightest restrictions, followed by Lancashire.

Greater Manchester saw its status upgraded from today (October 23), with South Yorkshire set to follow tomorrow.

Cllr Henson explained that any changes in London were likely to affect all boroughs after political leaders agreed this would be the easiest way to manage things, despite differing rate levels across the city.

He added the council has been trying to “guide” people as opposed to implementing strict enforcement when it comes to following Covid-19 rules but noted it would not be afraid to step in where necessary.

At the same meeting, Harrow Council officers said things will “get worse before they get better” when it comes to managing the pandemic, with its second wave expected to last for “at least six months”.