UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says there won't be any new COVID-19 restrictions in England before Christmas, but other countries in Europe have announced measures to try to combat the Omicron strain
Shoppers in London's Oxford Street this week. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says there won't be any new COVID-19 restrictions in England before Christmas.British prime minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday he would not be introducing new COVID-19 restrictions in England before Christmas, but the situation remained extremely difficult and the government might need to act afterwards.
"We can't rule out any further measures after Christmas," Mr Johnson said. "We continue to monitor Omicron very closely and if the situation deteriorates we will be ready to take action if needed." Mr Johnson's announcement comes as other European nations have introduced, or are planning to implement, additional COVID restrictions:On Sunday, the Netherlands started a snap lockdown that, aimed at stemming an expected COVID-19 surge caused by the fast-spreading Omicron variant, has left people's Christmas plans in disarray.
Dutch coronavirus infections have dropped from record levels after a night-time lockdown came into force last month. But Omicron cases are increasing rapidly and the variant is expected to become dominant before the end of the year. Hospitalisations and intensive care cases are still among the lowest per capita in Europe, but have also begun rising."The pace of new infections is rising fast and we are seeing more pressure on the healthcare system," Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson told a news conference. "The spread of the new virus variant - Omicron - is worrying."
Bars and restaurants will only be able to serve seated guests while the public will also have to be seated at larger events - like football matches. Shops will have to limit the number of customers to prevent crowding. Authorities will also limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people per group on New Year's Eve when a negative test will be needed to enter restaurants, casinos or attend parties in public spaces, Mr Costa said.
The country reported 5,754 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, returning to levels last seen in February, when it faced its toughest battle against the illness, but deaths and hospitalisations remain low compared to that period.Bars in Finland will be forced to close at 10pm on Christmas Eve as part of new restrictions designed to fight record Covid infection levels, the prime minister said on Tuesday.
The government will begin preparing a support package to compensate hospitality businesses affected by the restrictions, Ms Marin said.
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