The omicron variant is dominant in England, and national health authorities report several thousand cases of infection every day.
At the same time, the British Minister of Health, Sajid Javid, is ruling out new measures this year.
This is despite the fact that the rest of the British Union, which consists of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is introducing a number of contact-reducing measures.
Great Britain has had high infection rates throughout Christmas, and on Christmas Eve 122,186 new cases of infection and 137 new coronary deaths were reported. England accounted for 105,069, ie 86 percent, of the cases.
On Christmas Day, 113,628 cases of infection were reported – all in England. The figures for the last few days are still incomplete due to the Christmas holidays, according to the British health authorities.
This is how the choice is justified
Boris Johnson’s government says they will not introduce further measures during 2021. But:
– Of course, people should be careful when we approach the New Year celebration, and take a corona test if it makes sense. Celebrate outdoors if you can, and have some ventilation indoors if you can, says Minister of Health Sajid Javid to BBC.
– When we enter the new year, we will of course see if we need further measures.
– MINISTER OF HEALTH: Sajid Javid. Photo: Dominic Lipinski / Pa Photos
–
He says the health authorities now estimate that 90 percent of all infections in England are of the new, and highly contagious omicron variant, according to Reuters.
Javid has previously said that the government’s focus is on the number of patients admitted with omicron, and justified the choice with two recent studies which states that there is a lower risk of becoming seriously ill with the omicron variant.
A maximum of six can meet in private teams
In Wales, a maximum of six people can meet in private in pubs, cinemas and restaurants. A limit of 30 people is also set for indoor events and 50 outdoors.
There will be a requirement for a distance of two meters in public places, while the nightclubs will be closed.
In Scotland, there is a requirement for a meter distance at events and a maximum of 100 people at indoor events without seats, 200 at events with seats and 500 outdoors.
A maximum of three households can meet in places such as bars, restaurants, cultural venues and gyms.
In Northern Ireland, nightclubs are also closed, while indoor events without seating are no longer allowed.
–
