Boris Johnson says there will be no new Covid rules before Christmas

But further measures may come into force after Christmas

Boris Johnson has confirmed no new Covid restrictions will be introduced in England before Christmas, telling Brits to “go ahead with their Christmas plans”.

But, in a video released on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said “we can’t rule out any further measures after Christmas”.

I wanted to confirm that people can go ahead with their Christmas plans.

But we’re keeping a constant eye on the data and can’t rule out any further measures after Christmas.

Please continue to be cautious, follow the guidance and Get Boosted Now: https://t.co/VKGvuQ4lzq pic.twitter.com/506RPwP94h

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 21, 2021

Johnson said Omicron was spreading at a speed never seen before and added that the government would continue to monitor “the data closely and will not hesitate to act after Christmas if necessary”.

The PM said: “In view of the continuing uncertainty about several things – the severity of Omicron, uncertainty about the hospitalisation rate or the impact of the vaccine rollout or the boosters, we don’t think today that there is enough evidence to justify any tougher measures before Christmas.