Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said that ministers are discussing the latest coronavirus data hourly with scientists to decide on how to react to the latest wave of the virus.
With Omicron spreading rapidly across the country Boris Johnson's Government is facing pressure to bring in further restrictions to tackle the pandemic.
However, with Christmas just on the horizon, many will be hoping to spend time with their families despite the threat of coronavirus.
When asked whether the Government was planning to bring in further measures, Mr Javid said it would "do what is necessary".
Speaking on Sky News, he said: “We’ve shown in the past as Government in dealing with this pandemic that we will do what is necessary but it’s got to be backed up by the data.”
Mr Javid added: “We are watching the data and discussing it with our scientists and our best advisors almost on an hourly basis. And we will monitor that very carefully. We will keep the situation under review.”
He said various factors including vaccinations, antiviral medication and other treatments for Covid-19 mean “the situation today in terms of our defences is very different”.
The Conservative party has faced backlash in recent weeks after it was discovered that a number of politicians attended Christmas parties last year during the coronavirus lockdown. It has been alleged that even Mr Johnson had attended one of the events and even hosted a quiz with work colleagues.
Mr Javid said he understood that people may question whether to follow the rules if it appears that those in charge were not.
He said: “I absolutely understand where those kinds of questions might come from, and that is why I think it is really, really important that we maintain public confidence by having that investigation that is now taking place.”
Mr Javid added: “If we do have to take further measures as the situation develops, if we have to do that, then I believe the British people will respond in the same way they have throughout this pandemic, where is they understand the issues, they know just how important it is for them and their families, and they will respond accordingly.”
