The NHS’s top doctor has put out a fresh call for people to get boosted in time for the New Year to help tackle the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.
Over 61% of adults across the UK have now had the top-up jab, but the NHS said there were still 1,551,187 slots still available to be booked between Monday and January.
Professor Stephen Powis said: ‘The evidence is clear that two Covid jabs is not enough, and with the Omicron variant, there is no time to delay getting your booster.
‘Staff and volunteers up and down the country are working incredibly hard to make sure that anyone who wants to get boosted between now and the new year can do, so start 2022 by protecting yourself, your friends and family and book your jab today.’
It comes as the Prime Minister prepares for a crunch data briefing ahead of a decision on whether to impose new restrictions on England to stem the spread of Omicron.
Boris Johnson is expected to be briefed by England’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.
New measures have already come into force in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland but ministers have so far swerved dictating new rules to those in England, instead hoping warnings would encourage people to self-police their own behaviour and cut down on social contacts.
If the figures are positive, Mr Johnson could be persuaded to stick to lighter touch measures introduced under Plan B, potentially with some extra words of guidance.
However, if cases were beginning to put unsustainable pressure on the NHS, the PM may feel the need to intervene with more stringent restrictions.
The Times reported that in whichever scenario, however, weddings and funerals would be exempt from any new rules.
On Friday, the UK reported 122,186 new Covid-19 cases – the highest number of positive cases recorded in a single day since the beginning of the pandemic.
It was the third consecutive day the record was broken.
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) said 23,719 Omicron cases were detected among them, taking the total number to 114,625 as of Christmas Eve.
Reports over the weekend suggested coronavirus vaccination teams could go door-to-door to reach people yet to take up the jab in a bid to stave off further restrictions.
Downing Street sources told the Mail on Sunday that a trial scheme carried out on Ipswich, Suffolk, which had a low uptake rate, could be expanded across the rest of the country.
It comes as Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is expected to speak to Government officials on Boxing Day over the prospect of a recall of Parliament to approve any pre-New Year measures.
From Boxing Day, a maximum of six people will be allowed to meet in pubs, cinemas and restaurants in Wales.
A total of 30 people will be allowed at indoor events while 50 people will be allowed at outdoor events.
Two-metre social distancing is being required in public premises and offices, and nightclubs will close.
The rules, in force from 6am, are a revised version of alert level two.
In Scotland, large events will have one-metre physical distancing and will be limited to 100 people standing indoors, 200 people sitting indoors and 500 people outdoors.
A day later, up to three households can meet with a one-metre distance between groups at indoor and outdoor venues like bars, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and gyms.
Table service is also needed at places where alcohol is served.
Northern Ireland is also bringing in restrictions on Boxing Day and December 27, with indoor standing events no longer permitted and nightclubs closing.
Socialising will be reduced to three households while up to six people can meet in pubs, bars and restaurants. Ten people will be allowed if they are from the same household. Only table service will be available.
A two-metre social distancing rule will be in place in public premises and offices.
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