Downing Street has reportedly sent the message to people in England that if they are unable to get tested due to a lack of availability they can still go out and celebrate New Year's Eve but should just "be cautious".
The prime minister, senior cabinet members and government advisers have all urged people in recent days to do lateral flow tests before celebrating in order to help limit the spread of the Omicron variant. But for a time yeserday, no PCR tests were available outside Wales and pharmacies in England admitted there was a "huge" supply problem.
Read more: What happens next as Omicron surges in Wales and UK reaches Covid record high
The Times is now reporting Boris Johnson as saying people should go out and celebrate New Year’s Eve despite a nationwide shortage of Covid tests and a record number of cases. It quotes "a Number 10 source" saying "people could still go out if they failed to secure a test but should exercise caution".
In Wales, tighter rules and restrictions came into force in Wales on Boxing day with the reintroduction of "the rule of six" for pubs and the closure of nightclubs. But no such restrictions exist in England, leaving people free to see in the new year in a pub, club or anywhere else.
Following the new rules, hospitality businesses across Wales demanded 'answers' with one pub also arguing that people from Wales would venture across the border to celebrate New Years Eve.
A growing number of New Year events are being cancelled across Wales alongside numerous hospitality venues being affected by positive Covid cases forcing them to close.
Some venues have argued it could affect their "survival" in the future. Mr Johnson has said: "Everybody should enjoy New Year but in a cautious and sensible way. Take a test, ventilation, think about others but above all get a booster.”
A source in Downing Street said "people should exercise caution, and testing is one of several mitigations” later adding: “The government is not telling people they should not go out. It’s about personal responsibility. But of course people should get a test where possible.”
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