RESTRICTIONS after Christmas could be AVOIDED 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 could be forced to serve outside and indoor mixing capped as soon as next Tuesday.
However, according to The i, these draconian measures may not be put in place if hospital admissions remain under 400 a day in the capital.
This is because the No10 is on red alert for the NHS being overwhelmed in the coming weeks.
And Mr Johnson will mull over the hospital data before making a decision on what measures may be needed.
At the UK’s peak in January this year, London’s admissions were reaching 900 a day.
In comparison last Sunday, December 19, just 245 brits were admitted to hospitals in the capital.
The news comes as a top covid expert suggested Omicron “isn’t spreading as fast as doomsday predictions suggest”.
Cambridge professor Sir David Spiegelhalter revealed half of patients in London’s hospitals were only diagnosed with Covid after being admitted for something else.
New data suggests the rate of admission “may be slowing down” with Dr Spiegelhalter claiming overall admissions should remain manageable and aren’t “looking quite as bad” as once thought.
Yesterday in a sombre warning of 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.
Trending In The News is also urging readers to sign up to the Jabs Army campaign to make the rollout as smooth and fast as possible.
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.”
