Boris Johnson Says No Christmas Lockdown as Omicron Cases Surge

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there would be no new COVID-19 restrictions ahead of Christmas in a video on December 21, but did not rule out subsequent measures as the UK set new case records amid an Omicron surge.

“In view of the continuing uncertainty about several things – the severity of Omicron, uncertainty about the hospitalization 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,” Johnson said in video released online.

The UK reported 90,629 positive cases on Tuesday, a new record.

“Naturally we can’t rule out any further measures after Christmas," said Johnson. “We’re going to keep a constant eye on the data. We’ll do whatever it takes to protect public health.” Credit: @BorisJohnson via Storyful