Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that there will be no further restrictions in England before Christmas.
Speaking in a video message, Mr Johnson said: "There is no doubt that Omicron continues to surge with a speed unlike anything we’ve seen before.
"The situation remains extremely difficult but I also recognise that people have been waiting to hear whether their Christmas plans are going to be affected.
I wanted to confirm that people can go ahead with their Christmas plans.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 21, 2021
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
"What I can say tonight, is that naturally we can’t rule out any further measures after Christmas - and we’re going to keep a constant eye on the data, and we’ll do whatever it takes to protect public health."
"But, in view of the continuing uncertainty about several things - the severity of Omicron, uncertainty about the hospitalisation rates or the impact of the vaccine rollout and the boosters - we don't think today that there is enough evidence to justify any tougher measures before Christmas.
The PM has urged the public to be cautious over the festive period, he added: "I would urge everyone to exercise caution, to keep protecting yourselves and your loved ones - especially the vulnerable - and remember to keep following the guidance."
"We continue to monitor Omicron very closely and if the situation deteriorates we will be ready to take action if needed.
A further 90,629 coronavirus cases have been reported in the UK, according to the daily figures.
15,363 of those cases relate to the Omicron variant.
There were a further 172 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test.
897,979 booster doses were given in the latest 24 hour period, the second-highest figure on record.
2025 was the year Roch Valley Radio became your newsroom
Hopwood Hall College Principal among North West recipients of OBE in King's Honours List
Radcliffe commentator Clive Tyldesley honoured with OBE in New Year list
Rochdale Lioness Keira Walsh awarded MBE in New Year Honours
Bury mountain rescue volunteer honoured with MBE for five decades of service
Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt awarded CBE in New Year Honours
Senior GMP detective to receive King’s Policing Medal for disaster victim identification work
Chadderton fire service specialist awarded MBE for work supporting burn victims
Bolton paedophile 'inappropriately' restrained before prison death report finds
A man aged 65 has died following suspected heart attack at a bus stop
Your Trust celebrates record 1.6 million engagements across Rochdale borough
