A memorial garden to commemorate the thousands of Londoners who have died in the pandemic is to be created in the Olympic Park.
A total of 33 blossoming trees, representing one for each borough will form the centrepiece of the garden, which will be open to the public.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said today as the number of Londoners to have died within 28 days of a positive covid test was this weekend set to reach 7,000.
The capital was the worst-hit UK region by the first wave of the pandemic but has since been overtaken by the North West, where almost 10,000 deaths had been declared by last night.
There have been almost 800 deaths involving coronavirus in the capital since the second wave began in September.
Mr Khan said: “Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on our city and our country, and while we continue to battle the virus we are creating a lasting, living memorial to commemorate those who have lost their lives, pay tribute to the amazing work of our key workers and create a space for all Londoners to reflect on the experience of the pandemic.
“The pandemic has changed our capital forever. It has disproportionately impacted many of our communities and exposed and widened inequalities in our society.
“This public garden of blossom trees will be a permanent reminder of the lives that have been lost, a tribute to every single key worker, and a symbol of how Londoners have stood together to help one another.”