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13th December 2021
01:29pm GMT

On Monday, Johnson confirmed that at least one patient had died from the new Covid variant and refused to rule out implementing further restrictions ahead of Christmas. On Friday, rumours circulated that the government already had 'Plan C' drawn up.
Speaking during a visit to a vaccination clinic near Paddington, in west London, Johnson said: "Sadly, yes, Omicron is producing hospitalisations and sadly at least one patient has been confirmed to have died with Omicron.
"So I think the idea that this is somehow a milder version of the virus, I think that's something we need to set on one side and just recognise the sheer pace at which it accelerates through the population. So the best thing we can do is all get our boosters."
Health Secretary Sajid Javid had earlier confirmed that "about 10" people are currently in hospital due to the new variant. He is due to give an update on Covid at 3.30pm Monday.
Johnson refused three times to rule out further measures ahead of Christmas, telling reporters: "Throughout the pandemic I've been at great pains to stress to the public that we have to watch where the pandemic is going and we take whatever steps are necessary to protect public health," he told reporters.
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Starmer's announcement comes ahead of a vote in the House of Commons on Tuesday in which a significant number of Conservative MPs are expected not to back 'Plan B'. The plans, however, are still expected to pass due to support from Labour.
Experts have already warned that the NHS will have to postpone appointments to meet Johnson's ambitious vaccination booster jab targets. Six million people are already awaiting an operation - an all-time high.Explore more on these topics: