Would you stay in London right now?

[Pivotthesofa]

Supposed to be having a night in a London hotel early next week and have been looking forward to it for ages but I’m getting a bit nervous about it now the Indian variant is becoming a problem in London.

Am I being ridiculous? Would you go?

Infections from India variant are rising quickly in Bolton, Blackburn, Sefton, Bedford, London and Glasgow, raising fears over UK’s roadmap out of lockdown

inews.co.uk/news/politics/extra-vaccine-doses-in-indian-variant-hotspot-1000734

It's up to you. London is definitely an area of concern - but if you're relatively young and healthy, and take precautions (mask om tube, etc) it could be fine.

I don't want to put anyone off - like I say, it's still relative low risk if OP is careful and young/healthy, but I think fully informed decisions are important.

You cannot neatly separate the London boroughs. Huge numbers of people living in the outer boroughs travel in to work in the central tourist parts everyday.

I work in London, it's much quieter than normal at the moment. Recently took the dc to Hamleys at a weekend, hardly anyone in there. As others have said, go and enjoy yourself!

@Tealightsandd that’s what worried me to be honest. Numbers are low at the moment but likely to rise quickly if this new variant gets hold.

We are heading around St James Park area, and thinking of driving now so the main level
Of risk will be at the hotel, which is a very small boutique hotel.

Think we are going to be very careful and still go :)

@Pivotthesofa

That changes things I think. If you're driving, I'd say the risk is massively reduced.

It should be fine in that case. Take a few precautions and I'm sure you'll have a lovely time. I hope you do.

I live here. I wasn't aware it was a big issue here compared to any where else! I'd come next week because way more places will be open and you'll be able to drink/eat in!!!

@AnnaSW1

I live here. I wasn't aware it was a big issue here compared to any where else! I'd come next week because way more places will be open and you'll be able to drink/eat in!!!

Me too, but then I've started to filter out the doom and gloom.

I know so many people that aren't even pretending to follow the rules anymore as well.

Thanks all

I live in Erewash, highest rates in the country so yeah I'd go.

@Waxonwaxoff0 thanks, sorry to hear you’re in the thick of it, I probably sound like a bit of a dick but I have health anxiety, which does make me more wobbly about these things but I don’t want it to stop me living my life

@Tealightsandd @Pivotthesofa

Yes, usually there are hoards of people commuting into central London from other boroughs but at the moment there isn’t!! Tube numbers are massively down and significant numbers will work at home until at least September. If you avoid rush hour you will find public transport very clean and safe. Far cleaner than usual!!

Many of the Hillingdon/Hounslow cases will be linked to people working at /around Heathrow. Similarly Bromley cases may be linked to Gatwick. I live in zone 2 and there is certainly no current cause for concern. Case numbers are really low so it’s probably the best time to travel.

I live here and think it’s a fantastic time to visit - hotels are at rock bottom prices due to no business travel and limited tourists. Just make sure you book restaurants/bars if you have somewhere in mind as the most popular ones are fully booked - I’m trying to get a table at one of my favourites and can’t get a well-timed evening table until July!

Thanks that’s reassuring

I’m a little concerned about people travelling
To stay at the hotel that we will be in but figure they will have had to quarantine it from a red list country anyway

I am going to go, just might change my plans around a bit either driving or getting a private taxi (we have an AL account through our business) although tbh if they do airport runs tube is probably less risk anyway!

I’m sure we will have a lovely time when we get there. We spent last year shielding DS as there was a chance he had a condition that could be severely affected by Covid and we couldn’t get the tests done due to Covid but we’ve had that checked now so want to
Be able to get out and do things when they open

We went twice last year. The second time was when cases started rising again. I wore a mask everywhere, even outside. Avoid busy places like Borough Market if your not comfortable and walk everywhere.

Have a great time x

[quote Stircrazyschoolmum]**@Tealightsandd* @Pivotthesofa*

Yes, usually there are hoards of people commuting into central London from other boroughs but at the moment there isn’t!! Tube numbers are massively down and significant numbers will work at home until at least September. If you avoid rush hour you will find public transport very clean and safe. Far cleaner than usual!!

Many of the Hillingdon/Hounslow cases will be linked to people working at /around Heathrow. Similarly Bromley cases may be linked to Gatwick. I live in zone 2 and there is certainly no current cause for concern. Case numbers are really low so it’s probably the best time to travel.[/quote]
Hillingdon/Hounslow, yes there's an obvious geographic link with Heathrow ..but Bromley and Gatwick?

We are not going in half term but that's more due to the fact that I can't get tickets for a show I fancy seeing just yet.

I've just booked for the end of July. Going down on the train.

I am not sure that is quite true about London being 'deserted'. I mean, I live here (right near St James Park as it goes) and it is busy, including the traffic (loads more cyclists though). (And lots of road closures in Westminster - there seems to be a demo everyday atm).

But as you are staying so central, just walk everywhere. I would echo pp - book if you want to go anywhere/see anything. It just takes more planning now. If you are going next week you need to get your skates on.

(If you want something free, to drop in and almost always not crowded, head to Sothebys where you can see exhibitions before they are auctioned. Like your own personal private art exhibition in a really cool space. That's my top tip!)

We’ve already booked dinner and drinks next door to where we are staying so that’s sorted :)

I think we are just going to walk everywhere. Just weighing up taxi or tube at the moment as we were going to drive but decided against it as our car is being a bit shit at the moment