No stricter COVID-19 measures – but be cautious

ALL AREAS: Tougher COVID-19 restrictions will not be brought in before Christmas but the Government has said it will not rule out additional measures after the festive season.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday the Government does not believe there is enough evidence to justify disrupting people’s Christmas plans. A total of 90,629 positive COVID-19 cases were reported in the UK that day.

In his statement the Prime Minister said: “We continue to monitor Omicron very closely and if the situation deteriorates we will be ready to take action if needed.”

He urged people to wear masks indoors when required to do so and take a COVID-19 test before visiting the elderly or vulnerable.

New rules were also brought in yesterday (Wednesday) where anyone testing positive for COVID19 only has to isolate for seven days, as long as they test negative for the virus on day six and day seven of their self-isolation period.

Anyone who is unvaccinated and has come into close contact with a positive COVID-19 case will still have to isolate for 10 days.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a range of support packages for businesses.

Businesses in hospitality and leisure sectors will be able to claim one-off cash grants of up to £6,000 per premises.

A £30 million culture recovery fund has been made available to support theatres, museums and other cultural venues.

The Government is also re-introducing a rebate scheme which will allow businesses with fewer than 250 employees to claim back statutory sick pay from the Government if an employee is off sick due to COVID-19.