The Omicron variant is spreading as quickly as scientists feared.
Yesterday the UK recorded its highest daily number of new Covid cases, with the admissions to hospital also starting to rise.
While the early indications are that Omicron is less severe than Delta, it is still putting increasing pressure on the NHS.
By far the most effective way of controlling Covid is to get a jab.
But too many are still not vaccinated, putting themselves and others at risk. As we report today, four out of five in intensive care at Royal Liverpool Hospital are unvaccinated. Some are in their 30s and 40s.
Jabs protect against serious illness and death and more must be done to persuade people that vaccines are safe, effective and essential.
Only that way can we control the virus and make sure the NHS is there for everybody.
Reward them
As we look forward to Christmas with our families and friends there will be many others who have to work.
They include the emergency services, armed forces, NHS staff and care workers.
While they accept working anti-social hours comes with the job, you can understand why many will feel they are not truly appreciated.
An analysis by the TUC has found thousands of key workers are earning less in real terms than they were a decade ago.
Taking account of inflation, nurses now earn £2,700 less per year and local government care workers are £1,600 worse off.
Health and care sector staff have been tested to the limit by the pandemic. Their dedication should be rewarded, not penalised.
Snow hopers
If you are dreaming of a white Christmas you could be in luck - if you live in parts of Northern England and Scotland.
There the Met Office predicts a scattering of snow in parts. The rest of the country is set for downpours – but don’t let that dampen your festive spirits.
