news

Strict Covid restrictions could begin on Boxing Day amid Omicron surge

Published 17:13 19 Dec 2021 GMT

Home news

Get our Pub Quizzes and latest news straight to you by clicking here »

We might be clear for Christmas Day but don't get ahead of yourselves

Reports are suggesting that new stringent new Covid restrictions could come into effect as early as Boxing Day, as the number of daily coronavirus cases continues to surge. As per multiple outlets, updated Covid guidelines are being now seriously considered with the UK breaking over 93,000 cases on Saturday (a third consecutive record day) and it is said that a 'Plan C' has already been drawn up. Furthermore, seven people are now thought to have died from the Omicron variant since Thursday and hospitalisations caused by the strain have increased from 65 to 85. While The Telegraph are reporting that senior Sage scientists are pushing for an "immediate" curtailment of indoor mixing and other measures before Christmas Day - warning that waiting until after the fact could overwhelm the NHS - a piece by The Sun suggests that although Christmas itself might be safe New Year plans could be in jeopardy. On Friday, London mayor Sadiq Khan declared a 'major incident' in the nation's capital as the number of Omicron cases continue to surge in the city and across the UK; meanwhile, the notion of a two-week circuit breaker has already been mooted this week. Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said he could give "no guarantees" as to whether or not new Covid restrictions would be put into place and whether or not they would be deployed before or after the 25th. At least 12,133 more Omicron infections were detected in the UK on Sunday, taking the total number of variant cases to 37,101. We are still yet to confirm when the new guidance will inevitably come in and whether it will extend beyond indoor mixing but another lockdown of sorts is undoubtedly on the cards.