The battle of the Booze parties has gripped UK politics, with Senior Tories condemning Keir Starmer in the latest.

UK: Senior Tories condemn Keir Starmer over Booze party

South Africa seems to be ready to live with the Covid pandemic as it does not plan to impose lockdown or any rules for quarantine. &nbsp;

This comes as the country has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the number of coronavirus cases fuelled by the emergence and spread of new variant Omicron. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-is-not-the-last-covid-variant-scientists-warn-445185" hreflang="en">Omicron is not the last Covid variant, scientists warn</a>

The South African government has decided to take a more pragmatic approach. It will also keep an eye on severe Covid cases and whether health systems are under threat or not, said a report by PTI. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On January 9, the medical experts of the country had said that restrictions enforced on the economy, livelihoods and other aspects of society due to coronavirus have indirect but severe effects. &nbsp;

They recommended that the government should not blindly go for such restrictions imposed across the world as they are not possible locally and yield only nominal benefits. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-will-the-pandemic-end-this-is-what-experts-believe-445027" hreflang="en">When will the pandemic end? This is what experts believe</a>

At this time, the country is witnessing the fourth wave of the pandemic. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The new approach of the government is in stark contrast to the worldwide practice of imposing restrictions to curtail the rise in the number of Covid cases. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

South Africa seems to be ready to live with the Covid pandemic as it does not plan to impose lockdown or any rules for quarantine. This comes as the country has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the number of coronavirus cases fuelled by the emergence and spread of new variant Omicron.

South Africa seems to be ready to live with the Covid pandemic as it does not plan to impose lockdown or any rules for quarantine. This comes as the country has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the number of coronavirus cases fuelled by the emergence and spread of new variant Omicron. Also Read: Omicron is not the last Covid variant, scientists warn The South African government has decided to take a more pragmatic approach. It will also keep an eye on severe Covid cases and whether health systems are under threat or not, said a report by PTI. On January 9, the medical experts of the country had said that restrictions enforced on the economy, livelihoods and other aspects of society due to coronavirus have indirect but severe effects. They recommended that the government should not blindly go for such restrictions imposed across the world as they are not possible locally and yield only nominal benefits. Also Read: When will the pandemic end? This is what experts believe At this time, the country is witnessing the fourth wave of the pandemic. The new approach of the government is in stark contrast to the worldwide practice of imposing restrictions to curtail the rise in the number of Covid cases. (With inputs from agencies)

Can live with Covid? South Africa to not impose lockdown or quarantine rules

In a bid to contain the spread of the latest COVID-19 variant, Omicron China has tightened curbs across the country.

China tightens curbs amid a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron mutant variant

Another day and reports of yet another lockdown party have emerged. This too was held in 10 downing street, the residence of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Trouble for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson continues with reports of two more parties emerge

China is trying to crush the Omicron variant with an iron fist. Its aggressive measures have triggered 'rare criticism' on Chinese social Media. Palki Sharma gets you 5 videos of China's crackdown.

Gravitas: 5 Videos of lockdown horror from China

The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced weekend&nbsp;lockdown&nbsp;across&nbsp;the&nbsp;Union territory starting today. In the last 24 hours, 2,456 COVID-19 cases were registered across the Union Territory.

The Kashmir division recorded&nbsp;1,522 positive coronavirus cases while the Jammu division reported 934 cases.&nbsp;

The government records reveal that&nbsp;the total number of active cases in Jammu and Kashmir stands at 10,003. The Kashmir division has 5,201 and 4,802 are from Jammu division.

The administration sprang into action and issued a notice today calling for a weekend&nbsp;lockdown. The government vehicles made&nbsp;announcements across every district asking people to adhere to the lockdown and follow COVID-19&nbsp;protocols.&nbsp;

''The main reason for the lockdown is always that the problem should not aggravate, if we are at 10 at the moment it should not go to 15, we should be able to control it. Lockdown and COVID-19&nbsp;protocol is the only way to prevent&nbsp;any major spread,"&nbsp;said Hanief Balki,&nbsp;ADC, Srinagar.&nbsp;

"All shops are closed and transporters didn't&nbsp;know but they are also now getting to know that it's a lockdown as we keep announcing. All that is being done is that the locals should not face any major issues. All essential commodities have been kept available and open,'' he added.

The OPD services and elective surgeries in major hospitals have been put on hold as more than 200 doctors and paramedical staff have tested positive across the Union Territory. SKIMS Medical College recently issued an order which stated ''All the OPD services/ elective surgeries in the hospital are hereby being temporarily put on hold in the larger public interest till further orders.”&nbsp;

The government has also given orders to establish Triage centres&nbsp;in every district and designated special beds for pregnant ladies.&nbsp;

The Cluster University in Srinagar has also deferred exams that were to be held next week. The notification by the university read ''this is notified for the information of concerned that all the examinations of Cluster University Srinagar scheduled from 17th of January 2022 have been deferred till further orders.”

The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced weekend lockdown across the Union territory starting today. In the last 24 hours, 2,456 COVID-19 cases were registered across the Union Territory.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced weekend lockdown across the Union territory starting today. In the last 24 hours, 2,456 COVID-19 cases were registered across the Union Territory. The Kashmir division recorded 1,522 positive coronavirus cases while the Jammu division reported 934 cases. The government records reveal that the total number of active cases in Jammu and Kashmir stands at 10,003. The Kashmir division has 5,201 and 4,802 are from Jammu division. The administration sprang into action and issued a notice today calling for a weekend lockdown. The government vehicles made announcements across every district asking people to adhere to the lockdown and follow COVID-19 protocols. ''The main reason for the lockdown is always that the problem should not aggravate, if we are at 10 at the moment it should not go to 15, we should be able to control it. Lockdown and COVID-19 protocol is the only way to prevent any major spread," said Hanief Balki, ADC, Srinagar. "All shops are closed and transporters didn't know but they are also now getting to know that it's a lockdown as we keep announcing. All that is being done is that the locals should not face any major issues. All essential commodities have been kept available and open,'' he added. The OPD services and elective surgeries in major hospitals have been put on hold as more than 200 doctors and paramedical staff have tested positive across the Union Territory. SKIMS Medical College recently issued an order which stated ''All the OPD services/ elective surgeries in the hospital are hereby being temporarily put on hold in the larger public interest till further orders.” The government has also given orders to establish Triage centres in every district and designated special beds for pregnant ladies. The Cluster University in Srinagar has also deferred exams that were to be held next week. The notification by the university read ''this is notified for the information of concerned that all the examinations of Cluster University Srinagar scheduled from 17th of January 2022 have been deferred till further orders.”

J&K government announces weekend lockdown; all exams postponed

After a series of allegations of multiple lockdown breaching parties and weeks of denials of rule-breaking, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has now apologized for attending one gathering and has been plunged into a major crisis around his leadership.

UK PM Boris Johnson admits hosting parties in lockdown & offers apology over it

After a series of allegations of multiple lockdown breaching parties and weeks of denials of rule-breaking, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has now apologized for attending one gathering and has been plunged into a major crisis around his leadership. Anger at Johnson, UK govt mounts as reports claim that parties continued well after midnight with at least 30 people attending.

Anger at Johnson, UK govt mounts as reports claim that parties continued well after midnight

Under fire for organising and attending parties when the UK was under strict lockdown, PM Boris Johnson apologises in the British parliament.

Under fire for lockdown parties, UK PM Boris Johnson grilled in the British Parliament

UK PM Boris Johnson apologises in British parliament for lockdown party

Boris Johnson continues to remain in all kinds of problems. This time around it's a leaked email that has again brought back negative press for the British prime minister.

United Kingdom: Leaked email exposes UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's party

China has locked down another city to stop the spread pf Omicron. The city of Anyang, home to 5.5 million people, was announced late Monday after two cases of the omicron variant were reported.

China locks down Anyang city amid rising Omicron scare

In an attempt to counter a surge in COVID-19 cases, and cut the spread of the omicron variant, another Chinese city has been locked down.

Chinese city Anyang under strict lockdown amid a rapid surge in COVID-19 cases driven by Omicron

A leaked email shows the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson inviting staff to "bring your own booze" to a gathering held during Britain's strict COVID-19 lockdown.

Leaked email exposes another lockdown party organised by UK PM Boris Johnson during strict lockdown

Boris Johnson is currently answering questions over the controversial booze party in the House of Commons. Today's parliament session comes after the revelation of another secret lockdown party held at the PM's residence the conservative party members are watching the growing list of secret parties held at the downing street.

UK PM Boris Johnson faces furious backlash over lockdown parties

Israel's response to the covid-19 pandemic has been closely watched worldwide notably for two main things its rapid vaccine rollout and its early decision to after offer booster shots but with the massive surge in cases what is the way forward for Israel?

Israel says lockdown won't stop Omicron spread

Pics | Brits angrily contrast own lives during Covid lockdown when PM Johnson partied

A leaked email shows an aide for the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson inviting staff to "bring your own booze" to a gathering held during Britain's strict COVID-19 lockdown.

Leaked email shows UK PM's aide inviting staff to 'bring your own booze' party during COVID lockdown

After a spate of recent Covid cases, China has locked down another city. The northern Chinese city of Tianjin has shot borders and tightened exit controls. Residents who want to leave or travel out of the city now have to obtain approval from employers or community authorities.

Covid News: China steps up its covid-19 strategy, Tianjin under strict lockdown

A resident of India’s state of Kerala, Shafi Vikraman, has claimed to have obtained over 145 certificates of courses offered by various universities in 16 countries virtually during the Covid-induced lockdown. &nbsp;

Vikraman, who lives in Thiruvananthapuram, told ANI, that he spent over 20 hours daily to earn these certificates during the lockdown. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-over-141900-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-443065" hreflang="en">India reports over 1,41,900 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours</a>

"Lockdown was a situation where people were not able to move out, I utilised that time at maxim level," Vikraman said.&nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b229cb2f-8ca7-42ac-ab7f-6c088e17ddcc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/CO2.jpg" />

Vikraman, while talking about his experience, said that some courses he found were quite tough at the initial stage but when he started completing them one after another, he realised that he can go way further. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/for-first-time-in-india-jk-police-to-get-american-assault-rifles-and-pistols-442976" hreflang="en">For first time in India, J&amp;K Police to get American assault rifles and pistols</a>

"To complete these courses, either you have to be academically brilliant or to be smart enough, everyone cannot do this," Vikraman explained. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"People have to pay for these courses as well, but I was lucky, that I did not pay any cost. If it would have not been free of cost, it was sure that I would have not completed these courses because we can't afford that many fees," Vikraman added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A resident of India’s state of Kerala, Shafi Vikraman, has claimed to have obtained over 145 certificates of courses offered by various universities in 16 countries virtually during the Covid-induced lockdown.

A resident of India’s state of Kerala, Shafi Vikraman, has claimed to have obtained over 145 certificates of courses offered by various universities in 16 countries virtually during the Covid-induced lockdown. Vikraman, who lives in Thiruvananthapuram, told ANI, that he spent over 20 hours daily to earn these certificates during the lockdown. Also Read: India reports over 1,41,900 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours "Lockdown was a situation where people were not able to move out, I utilised that time at maxim level," Vikraman said. Vikraman, while talking about his experience, said that some courses he found were quite tough at the initial stage but when he started completing them one after another, he realised that he can go way further. Also Read: For first time in India, J&K Police to get American assault rifles and pistols "To complete these courses, either you have to be academically brilliant or to be smart enough, everyone cannot do this," Vikraman explained. "People have to pay for these courses as well, but I was lucky, that I did not pay any cost. If it would have not been free of cost, it was sure that I would have not completed these courses because we can't afford that many fees," Vikraman added. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian man claims to get over 145 educational certificates during Covid lockdown

US President Joe Biden calls Pfizer COVID-19 pill a 'Game Changer' as the US increases order to 20 million amid a surge in cases.

US President Joe Biden calls Pfizer COVID-19 pill a 'Game Changer'

After detection of three asymptomatic Covid cases on Sunday, lockdown has been imposed in the city of Yuzhou in China’s Henan Province on Monday night, local media reported. &nbsp;

In the city, in-person education, public transportation and gatherings have been suspended. Now, over one million citizens have to stay at home. &nbsp;

The downtown area of the city was reportedly locked down. No one can enter or exit the area. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-update-fda-amends-emergency-use-of-pfizer-booster-dose-for-more-teens-442035" hreflang="en">Omicron update: FDA amends emergency use of Pfizer booster dose for more teens</a>

As per a government notice, all shops and supermarkets in the city have been ordered to suspend activities except “guaranteeing the supply of daily life materials”. &nbsp;

This comes as another city, Xi’an, is under lockdown after 127 people contracted the virus. &nbsp;

On Monday, China reported 175 new coronavirus cases. It was up from 161 a day earlier, the health authority of the country said on Tuesday. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-thousands-protest-in-amsterdam-against-covid-restrictions-441905" hreflang="en">Watch: Thousands protest in Amsterdam against Covid restrictions</a>

According to a statement by the National Health Commission, 108 of these infections were transmitted locally. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Several new locally transmitted cases have come up in the northwestern province of Shaanxi. The provinces of Zhejiang and Henan have also reported new cases. &nbsp;

The country has reported 54 new asymptomatic cases. A day earlier, the count was 35. It classifies them separately from confirmed cases. There were no new fatalities. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After detection of three asymptomatic Covid cases on Sunday, lockdown has been imposed in the city of Yuzhou in China’s Henan Province on Monday night, local media reported.

After detection of three asymptomatic Covid cases on Sunday, lockdown has been imposed in the city of Yuzhou in China’s Henan Province on Monday night, local media reported. In the city, in-person education, public transportation and gatherings have been suspended. Now, over one million citizens have to stay at home. The downtown area of the city was reportedly locked down. No one can enter or exit the area. Also Read | Omicron update: FDA amends emergency use of Pfizer booster dose for more teens As per a government notice, all shops and supermarkets in the city have been ordered to suspend activities except “guaranteeing the supply of daily life materials”. This comes as another city, Xi’an, is under lockdown after 127 people contracted the virus. On Monday, China reported 175 new coronavirus cases. It was up from 161 a day earlier, the health authority of the country said on Tuesday. Also Read | Watch: Thousands protest in Amsterdam against Covid restrictions According to a statement by the National Health Commission, 108 of these infections were transmitted locally. Several new locally transmitted cases have come up in the northwestern province of Shaanxi. The provinces of Zhejiang and Henan have also reported new cases. The country has reported 54 new asymptomatic cases. A day earlier, the count was 35. It classifies them separately from confirmed cases. There were no new fatalities. (With inputs from agencies)

Lockdown imposed in Chinese city after detection of three asymptomatic Covid cases

In China, three cases of Covid 19 were enough for the Chinese authorities to lock down an entire city of almost 1.2 million people. Now in China's Yuzhou city, people are being confined to their homes in a bid to mitigate the recent local Covid 19 outbreak.

China: Over 1.2 Million residents in Yuzhou city ordered not to leave home

In response to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's decision to shut cinema halls amid spike in COVID-19 cases following the emergence of Omicron variant, Kamal Gianchandani, President, Multiplex Association of India (MAI) on Tuesday appealed to the state government to reconsider the order as it could lead to an "irreparable damage" for the Indian film industry which had just started to recover from the effects of the lockdowns. 
 
Gianchandani instead suggested alternate methods to counter the surge of cases by introducing 'double vaccination requirement' to enter theatres and going back to the seating capacity restriction of 50 per cent. 
 
Kejriwal on Tuesday declared a 'yellow alert' under which schools, colleges, cinemas and gyms will remain closed, shops dealing in non-essential items will open on odd-even basis, and metro trains and buses will run with 50 per cent of seating capacity in the city. 
 
In accordance with 'Level-1' alert under the graded response action plan (GRAP), there would be night curfew between 10 pm and 5 am and private offices will function with physical attendance of 50 per cent of the staff, barring essential categories. 
 
"Delhi Government's decision to shut down Cinemas in Delhi while enforcing the ?yellow' alert of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has caused massive uncertainty and could lead to irreparable damage for the Indian Film Industry. The period since March 2020 is undeniably the most challenging period faced by Indian cinemas in their long history," Gianchandani said in a statement. 
 
The MAI president said the exhibition sector has adhered to the safety protocols as prescribed by the government and that not a single outbreak of Covid-19 anywhere around the world has been traced to a cinema. 
 
"After being allowed to reopen, cinemas have already demonstrated an ability to operate safely for the public and employees via usage of enhanced ventilation systems, enhanced hygiene, and other safety protocols... 
 
"While we fully understand the need at Government's end, to take necessary preventive measures, we would request that cinemas should get equal treatment with comparable industries and institutions," he added. 
 
Like Maharashtra, Gianchandani said, Delhi too could issue a rule that only those who are fully vaccinated would be allowed to enter theatres. 
 
"Instead of closing the cinemas, we would urge the Delhi Government to consider introducing 'double vaccination requirement' to enter cinemas, as is the case in some of the other states (including Maharashtra)," he said. 
 
"Alternatively, the seating capacity restriction of 50% can be reintroduced at cinemas. We call on the Government to recognize the unique social, cultural and economic value of the Indian film industry, and to provide the support it so desperately needs to survive this unprecedented period," he added. 
 
Cinema halls in Delhi were allowed to reopen with 50 per cent seating capacity in the last week of July, with the state government approving 100 per cent occupancy starting from November 1. 
 
The MAI, which represents more than 11 cinema chains, operating more than 500 multiplexes across the country, with around 2,000 plus screens, is a nationwide group of cinema operators that informs, educates and advocates on behalf of the cinema exhibition sector. 
 
Earlier in the day, the producers of "Jersey" on Tuesday said the Shahid Kapoor-starrer has been postponed yet again amid a surge in the coronavirus cases in the country and concerns over the Omicron variant. 
 
The news of the film being delayed for the fourth time comes just three days before its countrywide release in theatres on December 31. 
 
Sports drama "83", which released last Friday, despite receiving glowing reviews is struggling to keep the momentum at the box office going after the success of "Sooryavanshi" last month, which was a much-needed reprieve for the exhibition industry amid the pandemic. 
 
The Kabir Khan directorial, based on India's historic win at the 1983 Cricket World Cup and fronted by Ranveer Singh, has collected Rs 54.29 crores in four days since its release in India. 
 
Rohit Shetty's cop action drama "Sooryavanshi", starring Akshay Kumar, released during the Diwali weekend and saw an overwhelming response at the domestic box office minting Rs 196 crore net. 
 
Next up for a theatrical release is SS Rajamouli's magnum opus "RRR", starring Ram Charan and Jr NTR, on January 7.&nbsp;

In response to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's decision to shut cinema halls amid spike in COVID-19 cases following the emergence of Omicron variant, Kamal Gianchandani, President, Multiplex Association of India (MAI) on Tuesday appealed to the state government to reconsider the order as it could lead to an "irreparable damage" for the Indian film industry which had just started to recover from the effects of the lockdowns.

In response to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's decision to shut cinema halls amid spike in COVID-19 cases following the emergence of Omicron variant, Kamal Gianchandani, President, Multiplex Association of India (MAI) on Tuesday appealed to the state government to reconsider the order as it could lead to an "irreparable damage" for the Indian film industry which had just started to recover from the effects of the lockdowns. Gianchandani instead suggested alternate methods to counter the surge of cases by introducing 'double vaccination requirement' to enter theatres and going back to the seating capacity restriction of 50 per cent. Kejriwal on Tuesday declared a 'yellow alert' under which schools, colleges, cinemas and gyms will remain closed, shops dealing in non-essential items will open on odd-even basis, and metro trains and buses will run with 50 per cent of seating capacity in the city. In accordance with 'Level-1' alert under the graded response action plan (GRAP), there would be night curfew between 10 pm and 5 am and private offices will function with physical attendance of 50 per cent of the staff, barring essential categories. "Delhi Government's decision to shut down Cinemas in Delhi while enforcing the ?yellow' alert of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has caused massive uncertainty and could lead to irreparable damage for the Indian Film Industry. The period since March 2020 is undeniably the most challenging period faced by Indian cinemas in their long history," Gianchandani said in a statement. The MAI president said the exhibition sector has adhered to the safety protocols as prescribed by the government and that not a single outbreak of Covid-19 anywhere around the world has been traced to a cinema. "After being allowed to reopen, cinemas have already demonstrated an ability to operate safely for the public and employees via usage of enhanced ventilation systems, enhanced hygiene, and other safety protocols... "While we fully understand the need at Government's end, to take necessary preventive measures, we would request that cinemas should get equal treatment with comparable industries and institutions," he added. Like Maharashtra, Gianchandani said, Delhi too could issue a rule that only those who are fully vaccinated would be allowed to enter theatres. "Instead of closing the cinemas, we would urge the Delhi Government to consider introducing 'double vaccination requirement' to enter cinemas, as is the case in some of the other states (including Maharashtra)," he said. "Alternatively, the seating capacity restriction of 50% can be reintroduced at cinemas. We call on the Government to recognize the unique social, cultural and economic value of the Indian film industry, and to provide the support it so desperately needs to survive this unprecedented period," he added. Cinema halls in Delhi were allowed to reopen with 50 per cent seating capacity in the last week of July, with the state government approving 100 per cent occupancy starting from November 1. The MAI, which represents more than 11 cinema chains, operating more than 500 multiplexes across the country, with around 2,000 plus screens, is a nationwide group of cinema operators that informs, educates and advocates on behalf of the cinema exhibition sector. Earlier in the day, the producers of "Jersey" on Tuesday said the Shahid Kapoor-starrer has been postponed yet again amid a surge in the coronavirus cases in the country and concerns over the Omicron variant. The news of the film being delayed for the fourth time comes just three days before its countrywide release in theatres on December 31. Sports drama "83", which released last Friday, despite receiving glowing reviews is struggling to keep the momentum at the box office going after the success of "Sooryavanshi" last month, which was a much-needed reprieve for the exhibition industry amid the pandemic. The Kabir Khan directorial, based on India's historic win at the 1983 Cricket World Cup and fronted by Ranveer Singh, has collected Rs 54.29 crores in four days since its release in India. Rohit Shetty's cop action drama "Sooryavanshi", starring Akshay Kumar, released during the Diwali weekend and saw an overwhelming response at the domestic box office minting Rs 196 crore net. Next up for a theatrical release is SS Rajamouli's magnum opus "RRR", starring Ram Charan and Jr NTR, on January 7.

Delhi govt's decision to shut cinemas could lead to irreparable damage: Multiplex Association of India 

Yearender 2021: Vaccine drive, virus resurgence, Omicron & lockdown 2.0

China has now imposed a partial lockdown in its northern city of Xi'an, ordering all 13 million residents to stay at home. According to reports, city officials have ordered all residents to remain at home unless they have a pressing reason to go out.

China locks down around 13 million people in Xi'an city amid rising COVID-19 cases

China imposes partial lockdown of up to 13 million people in Xi'an amid rising COVID-19 cases

Despite growing number of Covid cases and mounting pressure from locals, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided that no lockdown will be imposed in the country till Christmas.<o:p></o:p>

The leader, who is battling personal controversies, decided that his officials will keep a close eye on the situation and the Covid surge will stay "under constant review".

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-hospitals-may-close-if-health-workers-refuse-to-get-vaccinated-nhs-leader-438467">Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant</a></o:p>

"In view of the balance of risks and uncertainties, particularly around the infection hospitalisation rate of Omicron... we agreed that we should keep the data from now on under constant review, keep following it hour by hour," Johnson said.<o:p></o:p>

This announcement comes at a time when scientific experts had been telling the government officials that strong action plan is needed to control the wide spread of the deadly coronavirus, especially its new Omicron variant.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-says-its-booster-shot-is-effective-against-omicron-variant-438395">Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant</a></o:p>

However, Johnson’s ministers decided that social distancing, limited gatherings and other such measures can be implemented after Christmas.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Johnson has assured that the health experts at the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) will not suffer due to this surge in Covid cases. "We will have to reserve the possibility of taking further action to protect the public and to protect public health and protect our NHS (National Health Service) -- and we won't hesitate to take that action," Johnson said.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/omicron-variant-fifth-covid-19-wave-has-begun-says-israeli-pm-naftali-bennett-438524">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/omicron-variant-fifth-covid-19-wave-has-begun-says-israeli-pm-naftali-bennett-438524/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We're looking at all kinds of things to keep Omicron under control and we will rule nothing out, but at the moment we want people to focus on exercising caution."<o:p></o:p>

This announcement by the government comes at a time when the country reported 91,743 new infections on Monday, with highest number of cases in London.<o:p></o:p>

Despite growing number of Covid cases and mounting pressure from locals, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided that no lockdown will be imposed in the country till Christmas.

Despite growing number of Covid cases and mounting pressure from locals, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided that no lockdown will be imposed in the country till Christmas. The leader, who is battling personal controversies, decided that his officials will keep a close eye on the situation and the Covid surge will stay "under constant review". Also read | Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant "In view of the balance of risks and uncertainties, particularly around the infection hospitalisation rate of Omicron... we agreed that we should keep the data from now on under constant review, keep following it hour by hour," Johnson said. This announcement comes at a time when scientific experts had been telling the government officials that strong action plan is needed to control the wide spread of the deadly coronavirus, especially its new Omicron variant. Also read | Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant However, Johnson’s ministers decided that social distancing, limited gatherings and other such measures can be implemented after Christmas. Meanwhile, Johnson has assured that the health experts at the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) will not suffer due to this surge in Covid cases. "We will have to reserve the possibility of taking further action to protect the public and to protect public health and protect our NHS (National Health Service) -- and we won't hesitate to take that action," Johnson said. WATCH | "We're looking at all kinds of things to keep Omicron under control and we will rule nothing out, but at the moment we want people to focus on exercising caution." This announcement by the government comes at a time when the country reported 91,743 new infections on Monday, with highest number of cases in London.

Boris Johnson decides on 'no lockdown' before Christmas

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has faced a string of allegations of partying while Covid restrictions were in place. Recently, Johnson has been pictured with wine and cheese alongside his wife and up to 17 staff in the Downing Street garden during lockdown.

UK PM Boris Johnson faces several allegations of lockdown parties

President Joe Biden called the new omicron variant of the coronavirus a cause for concern but “not a cause for panic” and said that he was not considering any widespread US lockdown.

US President Joe Biden says Omicron variant is cause for 'concern, not panic'

Parts of Europe are once again going into a lockdown mode because of the surge in cases due to the spread of the Omicron variant. This is the second year in a row that the country is shutting down.

Parts of Europe go into lockdown as Omicron cases surge

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