It has been confirmed that New Year’s Eve in England can go ahead with no new restrictions due to be imposed by the government.
It was reported in The Times yesterday that New Year’s would go ahead in England ‘as usual’, however ministers have urged for people to celebrate cautiously.
According to the paper, the decision was made by the Prime Minister following a meeting in which he was presented with the latest data on the variant’s spread.
Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, has also said that people should be prepared for the possibility of more restrictions coming into force in the new year.
He told Sky News, “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.
“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.”
Elsewhere in the UK, more stringent restrictions are in place – meaning that England may be the only one of the four countries with nightclubs staying open this New Year’s Eve.
Yesterday, 98,515 new cases and 143 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were reported in England alone by the UK Health and Security Agency.
And in the past seven days, a total of 763,298 new positive cases have been registered. It is thought, however, that the true figure is likely to be much higher thanks to reporting delays created by the Christmas holidays.
Feature image – Commons Wikimedia / Flickr
