The seven-day coronavirus infection rate in Barnet has topped 1,000 cases per 100,000 people after a ‘major incident’ was declared in the capital.

The borough recorded 1,024 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in the seven days to 16th December, according to data from Public Health England.

It means Barnet’s infection rate is the fourth-lowest in London. The highest, at 2,477 cases per 100,000 people, was recorded in Lambeth, with London boroughs making up the top 18 worst-affected local authorities in the UK.

Despite the rise in cases, Covid-19 hospitalisations are still running significantly below the peak recorded in January this year. On 11th December (the most recent date available for individual NHS trusts), the seven-day average of hospital patients with Covid-19 being treated by Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Barnet Hospital, was 70.6. That compares with a peak of 510.9 recorded on 16th January 2021.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan declared a ‘major incident’ on Saturday, in response to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant across the capital, which he described as “hugely concerning”.

It means co-ordination between key public services will be ramped up, and the city could seek more government support to deal with pandemic pressures.

Ministers have so far ruled out bringing in extra restrictions on socialising before Christmas, although Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people worried about seeing elderly or vulnerable relatives to take a lateral flow test before they visit.

Dr Tamara Djuretic, director of public health at Barnet Council, said the borough was seeing a “rapid increase” in Covid-19 cases, with a large proportion of these likely due to the Omicron variant.

Dr Djuretic added: “Barnet’s current weekly number of cases is the highest since the pandemic began. However, we are still not seeing any evidence of the infection being severe enough to cause large increases in hospitalisations and deaths. The next two weeks will be crucial to assess the severity of the infection, as it takes at least six to eight weeks to pick up this information via available data sources.

“Locally, we are as prepared as we can be, given the high uptake of vaccination and booster jabs in Barnet among all ages, and it is reassuring to see residents continuing to come forward to be vaccinated in very large numbers.

“However, vaccination, although highly effective, is not a sufficient measure on its own – we also must follow the rules in place. I urge everyone to make sure they are fully vaccinated with both doses and a booster, keep getting tested and isolate immediately if you have any symptoms.

“Use rapid tests regularly before you meet others, socialise or go to crowded or enclosed places. Please meet others outdoors if you can, wear a mask in indoor places, whenever practicable, open windows to let fresh air in and wash your hands regularly.

“It’s important to remember that these measures will help stop serious illness and deaths from all infections among all of us and, in particular, in the more vulnerable members of our community. Have a good and healthy festive season and stay safe – we can do this together!”