Boris Johnson avers no lockdown before Christmas despite surging Omicron cases

Amid soaring cases of  new COVID variant in United Kingdom has brought mischievous people to spre rumours about lockdown. Refuting such speculations, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on Tuesday, has cleared that his government would not invoke COVID-19 lockdown or strict measures before Christmas. Johnson vised people to go ahe with ir Christmas plans but ded to be cautious before moving outdoors. However, Johnson said his government will keep tracking all activities and ded strict measures may come into force after December 25. 

Watch PM Johnson dressing people about COVID situation:

Notably, announcement from UK he came after country has reported at least 90,629 new COVID cases on Tuesday. Though overall cases dip slightly in past 24 hours, Omicron variant has seen a steep rise. In a video message, Johnson said: "In view of continuing uncertainty about several things severity of Omicron, uncertainty about hospitalisation rate or impact of vaccine rollout or boosters, we don't think today that re is enough evidence to justify any tougher measures before Christmas." "We continue to monitor Omicron very closely and if situation deteriorates we will be rey to take action if needed," Johnson ded. 

Go ahe with your plans, says Johnson

Furr, Johnson pointed that new coronavirus variant was spreing at a speed never seen before. " government will continue to monitor data closely and will not hesitate to act after Christmas if necessary," he ded. UK Prime Minister also suggested people go ahe with ir plans but ded to get booster jabs at earliest. Notably, Johnson government has alrey invoked a new set of rules ordering masks to be worn in most indoor settings in England and requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enjoy leisure services such as nightclubs and large crowded events.

Death related to COVID-19 could rise up to 75,000 

Earlier on Sunday, scientists at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine informed that death related to COVID-19 could rise up to 25,000-75,000 in next five months if strict measures are not taken urgently. researchers also h forecast nearly half a million people being hospitalized with highly infectious virus by end of April. It also noted that cases in January would break earlier record. Furr, scientists pointed soar and severity of cases will depend on how much new COVID variant escapes protection from vaccines. Though researchers have not mentioned role of a booster dose and effect in tackling new variant, y vocated for ministering it.

With inputs from PTI

Image: AP/Pixabay