Another 86 new cases of the Omicron Covid variant have been detected in the UK, brining the total of infections to 246.
The figure shows an increase of more than 50% since yesterday, when there were 160 confirmed cases, Sky News reports.
A total of 18 of the cases, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which publishes the figures, bringing Scotland's total to 48.
It comes the same day as Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab told Brits to “enjoy Christmas”, despite a top SAGE advisor warning of the potential need for the return of restrictions in January.
Dominic Raab told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show people should “get their loved ones around them” despite the rapid rise of the Omicron variant.
Mr Raab said he would “continue to be vigilant” but “we’re in a much more confident position because of the vaccine, because of the boosters,” Mirror Online reports.
He said: “I think it’s going to be a great Christmas. All the family, friends, loved ones being able to get together in a way we haven’t been able to do for a couple of years is really important.”
Asked if he’d see elderly relatives he replied: “Yes.
“Of course it always depends a little bit on their personal condition, if they’re safeguarding it may be different.
“But I think people should enjoy Christmas, get their loved ones around them, celebrate it in a way we haven’t been able to in the past.”
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