No further coronavirus restrictions will be introduced in England before the end of the year, despite different rules being introduced in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed on Monday, December 27 that the government will not be imposing any further restrictions in England before the New Year.
Wales has been under tighter restrictions from 6am on Boxing Day as part of efforts to tackle the new Omicron variant.
Read more: Some schools in Wales may not fully open at the start of term
The measures, announced by the Welsh Government earlier this week, are described as "a revised version" of alert level two restrictions.
The hospitality sector has been hit hardest by the new measures and will see a return to table service and the "rule of six" in pubs and restaurants. You can read the full list here.
In England, Mr Javid said people should "remain cautious" when taking part in New Year's celebrations - and take a lateral flow test before attending events.
He did not rule out the possibility of further measures being taken in January, adding that the government "will see" whether the data suggests they are needed.
The decision comes as latest figures show England reported a record number of new cases on Christmas Day. The latest cases are here.
Mr Javid said: "Of course we look at the data on a daily basis, that hasn't changed over the Christmas period, but there will be no further measures before the New Year."
There were 1,281 Covid-19 hospital admissions in England on December 25, NHS England said.
This is up 74% week-on-week and the highest number since February 16.
During the second wave of coronavirus, admissions peaked at 4,134 on January 12.
In London, 364 admissions were reported on December 25, up 73% week-on-week but below the 390 admissions reported on December 23. Admissions during the second wave peaked in London at 977 on January 6.
"We won't be taking any further measures. Of course, people should remain cautious as we approach New Year's celebrations, and you know, take a lateral flow test if that makes sense," the health secretary said.
"Celebrate outside if you can, have some ventilation indoors if you can, please remain cautious.
"And when we get into the New Year, of course, we will see then whether we do need to take any further measures - but nothing more until then at least."
He added that they wanted everyone to have a "credible opportunity to get their booster" and that he wanted to see 100% of people receiving the top-up by the end of the year.
He said that since the Government had learned of the Omicron variant its strategy had been to "buy time", adding that while there was uncertainty over the variant, the best form of defence was vaccination.
He said there were "disproportionate" levels of unvaccinated people being admitted to hospital, adding: "Can I please say to people, please do come forward... protect yourselves, protect your loved ones and protect your community."
He told Sky News that there were "plenty of slots", with 1.5 million slots available over the next few days and that while the NHS was "doing a brilliant job", the Government needed people to come forward.
Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said: "Good news for families and businesses in England.
"Once again, this reinforces the need for Labour ministers in Cardiff Bay to urgently publish the scientific evidence and advice behind its recent decisions."
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