Increasing coronavirus cases could mean restrictions before the New Year as hospital admissions in London double every ten days.
With coronavirus cases rising and fears increasing, a decision on whether to impose further restrictions in time for New Year’s Eve is poised on a 'knife edge', the Times reports.
In the capital, latest NHS data shows there were 386 new hospital admissions for the virus - a 92 per cent rise on the figure last week.
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In England, 1,246 admissions were recorded on December 22, the highest number for a single day since February 16.
The Times reports that at the same time, daily government coronavirus figures showed a further 122,186 lab-confirmed c ovid cases - another new record.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to review the data on Monday and will reportedly have just 24 hours to make an important decision on whether to push ahead with further restrictions, which could come into play on New Year's Eve.
Tuesday is the latest date that legal measures can be implemented in time for New Year's Eve because of the requirement to recall Parliament.
The virus remains prevalent in Liverpool as infections surge.
According to the latest data from Public Health England, Liverpool had 3,827 positive covid infections in the seven days ending December 19 - that's 1,449 more positive tests than the previous seven days.
The Prime Minister is under mounting pressure to act after Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland will all see stricter measures as early as Boxing Day.
The PM is believed to be weighing up several options, including advising people to limit their contacts - particularly indoors - but without making it a legal requirement.
Another option is reportedly introducing mandatory limits on household mixing.
Government insiders have suggested a return to Step 2 of the covid roadmap - so similar restrictions to those in place last April - could be on the cards.
While studies have confirmed that the new Omicron variant is a somewhat milder strain, there are increasing fears that the number of cases will translate into pressures on intensive care wards and NHS services.
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