UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that no additional COVID-19 restrictions will be implemented before Christmas, despite rising cases and increasing pressure on the nation’s healthcare system. However, he cautioned that the situation remains under close observation and that further measures may be necessary after the holidays.
“We don’t think today that there is enough evidence to justify any tougher measures before Christmas,” Johnson stated in a video message. “We can’t rule out any further measures after Christmas. We continue to monitor Omicron very closely and if the situation deteriorates we will be ready to take action if needed.”
The UK has been experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, with 91,743 positive cases and 44 deaths reported on Monday. The Omicron variant accounted for 8,044 cases in the latest 24-hour period.
To support the struggling hospitality sector, which has faced mounting cancellations and reduced footfall, Finance Minister Rishi Sunak pledged an additional £1 billion ($1.32 billion) in financial aid. This package includes grants for businesses affected by the pandemic and funds to compensate workers for lost wages due to isolation requirements.
Media reports suggest that the government is considering implementing stricter measures after Christmas, potentially including a ban on indoor socializing. While Johnson did not confirm specific plans, he emphasized that the government is “keeping the data under constant review” and will not hesitate to act to protect public health and the National Health Service (NHS).
Currently, the UK is operating under its “Plan B” restrictions, which include mandatory face masks in many indoor public spaces, guidance to work from home where possible, and the requirement of COVID-19 certification for entry into large venues such as stadiums and nightclubs.
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Money for UK's struggling hospitality sector as cancellations mount
cgtn.com
