The London Assembly has cancelled its meetings because of coronavirus – with Mayor’s Question Time tomorrow the only public meeting planned until mid May.

Sadiq Khan will be questioned by members of the Assembly on the impact of coronavirus in the capital tomorrow.

But there are currently no plans for further public scrutiny of the Mayor, and all committees have been called off, following Government advice on social distancing.

The Prime Minister announced on Monday that everyone – particularly people in London – should work from home where possible, avoid public places, and keep their distance from others to slow the spread of Covid-19.

The Government hopes these steps will limit coronavirus deaths in the UK to 20,000 or less – without social distancing, they believe 250,000 people could die.

The London Assembly had no meetings planned after this week, because ordinarily it would have shut down for the pre-election run up to the Mayoral vote.

Before an election, public bodies cannot do anything that might prejudice the outcome of the vote.

But with the Mayoral and London Assembly elections now postponed until 2021 because of the virus, assembly members will not be operating under those restrictions.

Though public meetings are paused, members will still be working on scrutiny, reports and constituent casework.

The Assembly will decide on further steps at its Annual General Meeting in May.

London Assembly chairman Jennette Arnold said the capital was facing “unprecedented challenges” and “public health must come first”.

She said: “Now, more than ever, our duty is to you as Londoners.

“We will do all that we can to assist you, by representing constituents across this great city and continuing to hold the Mayor to account effectively on your behalf throughout this extraordinary time.”

She added: “Following latest Government advice, it may not be possible for the Assembly to convene a full range of meetings at this time in order to minimise risk to the health and wellbeing of all involved.

“Although this aspect of our work will be temporarily affected, there is much that Assembly Members can and will do to continue to raise matters of importance to Londoners with the Mayor of London.

“In the meantime, as the situation progresses, it is vital that we all continue to look after each other across our communities and follow Government and official scientific advice.”