LONDON, Jan. 1 (Reuters) – Authorities on Saturday reported 162,572 new cases of COVID-19 in England, a record, as the epidemic killed 154 more.
Due to New Years Eve daily data does not include Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
The daily number of confirmed cases across the UK broke records in December, linked to the presence of the highly contagious Omicron variant. Hospitalizations and deaths, however, remained at lower levels than in previous waves.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have introduced restrictions like closing nightclubs, social distancing rules in pubs and limits on the number of people allowed to congregate.
England, which represents more than 80% of the British population, has imposed no restrictions. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said any new restrictions would only be introduced “as an absolute last resort”.
The UK government has asked public sector officials to test their contingency plans in case they face absenteeism rates ranging from 10% to 25%.
With a record number of daily infections and positive people forced to self-isolate for at least seven days, the government expects disruption to businesses and utilities, he said in a statement.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on ministers to work on developing strong contingency plans in their respective sectors, said the Cabinet Office, which coordinates the government’s efforts. (Report Estelle Shirbon; French version Elizabeth Pineau)