Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed this evening that at present no further restrictions will be put in place to slow the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

However the Prime Minister has warned that if cases and hospitalisation continue to rise, then the government may be forced to take further action.

When asked whether he could guarantee that no further restrictions would be put in place prior to Christmas, the Prime Minister refused to commit to that and emphasised that the government is keeping an eye on the data hour by hour and would act immediately if required.

The Prime Minister also reminded the public that they can continue to help protect themselves and others by coming forward to be vaccinated.