The measures could be brought in after Christmas
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning on bringing in further measures to halt the spread of the Omicron variant, according to reports.
The additional measures – which would be implemented after Christmas – could potentially include a ban on indoor mixing and a two week circuit breaker lockdown to slow hospital admissions which, according to the BBC, are nearing 3,000 a day.
The Times has reported that draft legislation is currently in the works which would ban indoor meeting apart from work purposes and limit pubs and restaurants to outdoor service only – two restrictions that are sadly reminiscent of the pandemic at its peak.
Meanwhile, the Financial Times has suggested that Johnson was presented a number of options of a proposed ‘Plan C’ on Friday and that these ranged from “mild guidance to nudge people, right through to lockdown.”
These reports come shortly after the prime minster admitted that the Omicron variant is “a very serious threat to us now.”
The Financial Times also quoted a number of the PM’s allies who all suggested that Johnson was keen to remain on the guidance-based route – however the severity of the variant’s spread has forced him to be realistic about his options.
Earlier today, the BBC published leaked minutes taken from a Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies which was held on Thursday. These notes indicated that there are still many uncertainties regarding hospitalisations related to the Omicron variant.
The same report suggests that the number of people requiring hospital treatment is on the rise, with admissions currently between 696 and 815 per day over the past week. If these trends continue without any intervention, Sage advisors warn that hospital admissions could reach 3,000 per day in England.
As it stands, current ‘Plan B’ restrictions are in place and these include face masks in more indoor settings, covid passes required at large events and people being urged to work at home if at all possible.
Related links:
- UK needs 10-day lockdown to help stop ‘staggering’ Omicron spread, experts say
- Why you might still have Omicron even if you have a negative lateral flow test
- If you catch covid from today you’ll have to isolate for Xmas – here are the symptoms to watch out for
