The UK's coronavirus alert level has been raised from level three to four amid the concerning surge of Omicron cases.
The chief medical officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland confirmed they were recommending the coronavirus alert level is raised from level three to level four on Sunday.
It is the first time the coronavirus alert level has been raised to level four since May.
Level 4 is the second-highest alert level available to the government and comes amid growing fears around the spread of the variant.
The hike indicates that the pressure on the NHS is 'widespread and substantial or rising' and the virus is spreading fast, with level four meaning 'high' level of transmission.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to address the nation with a televised statement on Covid at 8pm on Sunday, December 12.
It's understood he will provide an update on the booster programme.
It comes as John Swinney Omicron is "galloping through Scotland" and should not be dismissed as a mild variant of coronavirus.
The Deputy First Minister said a raft of new measures were being weighed-up by ministers this weekend before Nicola Sturgeon makes a statement to parliament on Tuesday.
Swinney urged the public not to be complacent about the potential harm caused by the latest strain of the deadly virus.
Omicron was responsible for 18 per cent of positive covid results returned on Saturday - compared to just two per cent the week before.
