Boris Johnson set to make announcement in next 48 hours on restrictions

Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement in the next forty-eight hours that will determine whether families can see each other at Christmas.

New reports today say the Prime Minister is running out of time to introduce restrictions ahead of Christmas as Omicron cases continue to rise across the UK.

According to these reports, Johnson is considering the introduction of a ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown after Christmas, which would likely include a ban on indoor mixing and limit pubs and restaurants to outdoor service only. 

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Yesterday afternoon, the Prime Minister ruled out immediately imposing further Covid restrictions, though he stressed that he will not hesitate to do so if the data shows it is necessary.

Following a two-hour-long emergency Cabinet meeting, Johnson told the BBC: “Unfortunately I must say to people that we will have to reserve the possibility of taking further action to protect the public, to protect public health, to protect our NHS.

“We won’t hesitate to take action.”

This comes after reports claimed Johnson was presented with three scenarios for tougher restrictions by scientists, the first being the lowest level possible and asking people to limit their indoor contacts.

The second option is said to bring in a full ban on indoor household mixing, reintroduce social distancing in all public areas and bring in an 8pm curfew on pubs and restaurants, as well as limiting them to outdoor service only. 

And finally, the third option is said to be a full ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown, which would see all non-essential shops, pubs and restaurants close and people to stay at home. 

The Health Secretary Sajid Javid has also refused to rule out any lockdown rules being implemented both before and after Christmas, with him saying there are ‘no guarantees in this pandemic’.