More than 1.5 million COVID-19 vaccination appointments are now available between today and 3 January, as the government continues its booster jab drive to tackle the spread of the Omicron variant.
Over 60% of UK adults have now received a top up, but the NHS’s top doctor has put out a fresh call asking those still yet to get a booster to come forward for their third jab.
“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,” said Professor Stephen Powis.
It comes as new restrictions were implemented in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales on Boxing Day with reports circulating that England could also see new rules implemented to stop the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
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‘We haven’t seen COVID rates like this’
On Friday, 122,186 COVID-19 cases were reported in the UK, which is the highest number of positive tests ever recorded in a single day.
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) said 23,719 cases of Omicron were detected among them, taking the total number of Omicron cases to 114,625 as of Christmas Eve.
New COVID rules have come into effect in Wales
Daily case reporting will resume today after it was paused over Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The latest phase of the government’s Get Boosted Now campaign saw text message reminders asking people to book in for a booster sent out nationwide on 26 December.
It follows new vaccination centres opening across the nation in football stadiums and shopping centres – with some even remaining open on Christmas Day in England – as the race to jab as many people as possible continues.
Over 1.5 million jab appointments are available around the UK between today and 3 January
Nightclubs, restaurants and outdoor events are among those affected by new rules introduced in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland to curb rising coronavirus cases.
No new measures have been announced for England but the government has not ruled out that ministers could meet today to discuss the possibility of introducing restrictions.
The rules across the rest of the UK are as follows:
Northern Ireland
A limit of six people, or 10 from a single household, are allowed in indoor hospitality settings in Northern Ireland from today.
Weddings and civil partnership celebrations are exempt from these rules and children not counted in the total.
It is also being “strongly recommended” from today that household mixing should be reduced to a maximum of three households, while businesses are being told to take “reasonable measures” to implement two-metre social distancing in office spaces.
Nightclubs in Northern Ireland had to close from Boxing Day
Rules in place from 26 December also see indoor standing events and dancing in hospitality settings banned, with nightclubs also forced to close.
Scotland
Further restrictions have been placed on the hospitality sector in Scotland from 5am this morning.
The new rules force nightclubs to shut their doors and allow only table service in places that serve alcohol.
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They also ask people to maintain a one metre distance from one another in hospitality and leisure settings.
From Boxing Day, only 100 people may attend indoor events where people are standing, or 200 for seated events inside.
A limit of 500 people is imposed on outdoor events.
Only six people are allowed to meet in pubs, restaurants and cinemas in Wales
Wales
Nightclubs are now closed in Wales and only six people are allowed to meet in pubs, restaurants and cinemas from 26 December.
Indoor events are capped at 30 people, while outdoor events are limited to 50 people.
Social distancing of two metres must be observed in public places and offices.