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UK reports more than 100,000 daily Covid cases for first time since mass testing began
JUST IN: These are the highest numbers since mass testing began in May and June last year
Daily Covid cases across the UK have surpassed 100,000 for the first time since mass testing began at the start of the pandemic, government figures have shown today.
According to BBC News, the 106,122 cases recorded today tops the previous record for daily infections, when 93,045 were reported last week on December 17th.
This is the highest daily reported number since mass testing began in May and June last year.
This comes after the Prime Minister announced that no further Covid restrictions would be implemented before Christmas, saying there is currently not enough evidence on the severity of Omicron, the hospitalisation rate and the impact of the booster rollout to justify tougher measures before Christmas.
In a pre-recorded announcement posted to Twitter, Boris Johnson explained: “The situation remains extremely difficult, but I also recognise that people will be waiting to hear if their Christmas plans are going to be affected.
“We don’t think today that there is enough evidence to justify tougher measures before Christmas.”
Johnson went on to say that the government will continue to monitor Omicron ‘very closely’ and that if the situation deteriorates, ‘we will be ready to take action if needed’.
“People can go ahead with their Christmas plans but the situation remains finely balanced and I would urge everyone to exercise caution, to keep protecting yourselves and your loved ones, especially the vulnerable, and to keep following the guidance.
“Wear a mask indoors when required to do so, keep fresh air circulating and take a test when visiting the elderly or the vulnerable.”