UK's health secretary sees no more COVID-19 restrictions before 2022
Christian Fernsby ▼ | December 28, 2021
The health secretary Sajid Javid has said no further coronavirus restrictions will be introduced in England before the new year after ministers reviewed the latest data.Article continues below
Javid said "people should remain cautious" and urged those marking the start of 2022 to consider testing themselves beforehand and to celebrate outside, with the Omicron variant growing so fast that it accounts for 90% of all new Covid-19 cases.
The decision not to impose restrictions beyond the Plan B measures already in place in England comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson was briefed on the impact Christmas mixing had had on coronavirus infections and hospital admissions.
Javid told broadcasters on Monday: "We look at the data on a daily basis that hasn't changed over the Christmas period. But there will be no further measures before the new year. Of course, people should remain cautious as we approach New Year's celebrations.
"Take a lateral flow test if that makes sense, celebrate outside if you can, have some ventilation if you can. Please remain cautious and when we get into the new year, of course, we will see then whether we do need to take any further measures, but nothing more until then, at least."
England will remain under the UK Government's Plan B rulebook until at least January 1, with guidance to work from home, mask wearing in shops and other public settings, and COVID passes to gain entry to large events.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet minister admitted there was a staffing "challenge" in the NHS, particularly in London where the high rate of Covid infections has forced considerable numbers of the workforce into isolation. A total of 8,474 people were in hospital in England with COVID-19 as of 8am on December 27, NHS England added the highest number since March 5. ■ What to read next
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