No further Covid restrictions for England before Christmas, prime minister confirms

There will be no further Covid restrictions introduced in England before Christmas, the prime minister has confirmed, although further measures could be introduced after the holiday.

In a video message Boris Johnson said: "In view of the continuing uncertainty about several things - the severity of Omicron, uncertainty about the hospitalisation rate or the impact of the vaccine rollout or the boosters, we don't think today that there is enough evidence to justify any tougher measures before Christmas."

He then added: "The government will continue to monitor the data closely and will not hesitate to act after Christmas if necessary."

The prime minister had called a meeting of cabinet on Monday to discuss the response to the Omicron variant.

While encouraging people to go ahead with their Christmas plans, he said they should "exercise caution", with the situation "finely balanced".

Concern around the Omicron variant has already seen hospitality businesses experience catastrophic levels of cancellations, with many businesses announcing that they would be closing over the festive season in response.

Today the Treasury announced a package of support, centering around £6,000 grants for hospitality businesses, but many operators have said this "sticking plaster" will be insufficient to offset the loss of festive trading.