Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has decided not to impose any new Coronavirus restrictions in England before the end of the year, giving the green light to New Year's Eve parties.

Mr Boris concluded that curbs were not required on indoor gatherings after a meeting with senior officials in which he was presented with the latest data on the spread of the Omicron variant.

Advisers told Johnson that significant NHS pressures were coming from staff absences rather than overcrowded intensive care units. One model predicted that up to 40% of staff could be absent because of sickness in London, which has the highest COVID rates.

However, some scientists have criticised the move citing that it comes at a time where England has recorded its highest number of COVID infections; with some calling the move "the greatest divergence between scientific advice and legislation" seen since the start of the pandemic.

Although figures showed that a record 112,628 Coronavirus cases were confirmed on Christmas Day in England, there is some optimism in government that hospitals will not be overwhelmed by Omicron.

Cautious Optimism

The decision not to introduce restrictions makes England an outlier in the UK, after Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland put limits on social gatherings and mass events.

Health secretary, Sajid Javid, nonetheless urged people to take steps to protect themselves and others.

"We won't be taking any further measures. Of course, people should remain cautious as we approach new year celebrations and take a lateral flow test if that makes sense, celebrate outdoors if you can, have some ventilation indoors if you can," he said.

Boris Johnson also reiterated the message in a series of tweets on Monday night.

"We will continue to monitor the data carefully, but there will be no new restrictions introduced in England before the new year," he said.

"However, I would urge everyone to continue to act cautiously given the rising number of Omicron cases.

"Most importantly I urge everyone to get their first, second or booster jab without delay to protect yourselves and your loved ones."