Restrictions after Christmas could be AVOIDED if hospital admissions in London ‘stay under 400 a day’
RESTRICTIONS after Christmas could be AVOIDED altogether if hospital admissions in London stay under 400 a day, according to sources.
Yesterday Boris Johnson announced that festive celebrations can go ahead - but warned that “we cannot rule out further measures after Christmas”.
Pubs and restaurants could be forced to serve outside and indoor mixing capped by next Tuesday, sparking fears New Year's Eve celebrations could be ruined.
But Government sources told the draconian measures may not be put in place at all if hospital admissions stay under 400-a-day in the capital.
The restrictions are being considered in a bid to keep the NHS from being overwhelmed in the coming weeks, with Omicron cases remaining high.
However Mr Johnson is set to keeping mulling over the hospital data before making a decision on what measures, if any, may be needed.
In the capital four out of five cases tested were Omicron, as the mutant bug continues to spread across the UK.
Hospital admissions in London are not the only measure being used to assess the severity of the strain - but it a key part of the decision making, the i reports.
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At the UK’s peak in January, London’s admissions were reaching 900-a-day - compared to 245 Brits hospitalised in the capital on Sunday.
If they continue to stay at around the same figure, England could be looking forward to more freedom and less impact on the hospitality industry.
However the positive hint is not final - and new curbs could still be announced on the 27th.
It comes as a top covid expert suggested Omicron is "not looking as bad" as once thought.
Cambridge professor Sir David Spiegelhalter revealed half of the extra Omicron patients in London's hospitals were only diagnosed with Covid after being admitted for something else.
New data suggests the increase rate of admission "may be slowing down" with Dr Spiegelhalter claiming overall admissions should remain manageable.
Yesterday in a warning of potential measures to come, the PM said he "will be ready to take action" after Boxing Day if the situation spirals out of control.
He said a lack of information on the severity of Omicron and the rate of hospitalisations means no new measures are needed yet.
The UK's monumental booster jab rollout is also a key factor in limiting the amount of hospitalisations and deaths.
However Mr Johnson said the situation is "finely balanced" as the Omicron variant rips through Britain.
Brits have been urged to "exercise caution" and follow Government guidance - including wearing a mask indoors when necessary, keeping fresh air circulating and taking a test before visiting vulnerable or elderly relatives.
And everyone is being urged to get their booster jabs now to slow the spread of Omicron.
The Sun is also urging readers to sign up to the Jabs Army campaign to make the rollout as smooth and fast as possible.
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A booster shot is the best protection against Omicron, with early data suggesting it pushes efficacy back up to 75 per cent.
Dr Jenny Harries, UKHSA Chief Executive said: “Once again, we urge everyone who is able to get a booster jab to come forward and do so. It is the best defence we have against this highly transmissible new variant."
