Even though no fresh restrictions are planned, England reported a record number of new COVID-19 cases on Christmas Day - 113,628 - amid a rush to get tested over the festive period.
That figure is up 27% from a week earlier and is the highest number since 5 March, when the country was under tough lockdown restrictions.
However, that is still some way off the peak during the second wave of the virus, which stood at 34,336 on 18 January.Prime Minister Boris Johnson echoed his health secretary's call for caution, saying:"Most importantly I urge everyone to get their first, second or booster jab without delay to protect yourselves and your loved ones."
Mr Javid added:"Of course we look at the data on a daily basis, that hasn't changed over the Christmas period, but there will be no further measures before the New Year. "Of course, people should remain cautious as we approach New Year's celebrations, and you know, take a lateral flow test if that makes sense."And when we get into the New Year, of course, we will see then whether we do need to take any further measures - but nothing more until then at least."- which it is believed makes up"some 90% of cases" across England at present - there has been positive news in recent days that the variant is milder.
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