The UK government is planning a two-week lockdown after Christmas to halt the spread of the new variant of the coronavirus, Omicron. Draft rules are being worked out, which include a ban on closed-door meetings with the exception of business and a plan to limit pubs and restaurants to outdoor service.
Several options have been presented to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson under the so-called Plan C, ranging from mild restrictions to lockdown. Scientists have warned ministers that strict measures need to be taken very soon to reduce hospitalizations within manageable levels for the National Health Service.
A record 93,045 cases of Covid-19 infection were reported in Britain on Friday, which is 4,669 more than the 88,376 cases reported on Thursday. The delta variant is spread across most parts of the country, but cases of Omicron infection have increased rapidly in London and Scotland. The number of Covid-19 infected in London hospitals has increased by 28.6 percent to 1,534 compared to the previous week.