UK,Germany opt not to add strict restrictions ahead of Christmas

In Germany, new restrictions will begin after Christmas to slow the spread of the new Omicron variant, rules that will fall short of a full lockdown but will include contact restrictions even for vaccinated people. “I can understand anyone who doesn’t want to hear about the coronavirus, mutations and new virus variants,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz said at a press conference Tuesday evening. “But we cannot and must not turn a blind eye to this next wave.” Among the new rules are limiting private gatherings to 10 people, closing nightclubs nationwide and having large events like soccer matches held without an in-person audience. The restrictions will go into effect nationwide on Dec. 28, although states can implement the measures sooner.  He said restrictions on New Year's celebrations are necessary to keep Germany's health system from being overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Tuesday that the government has no plans of issuing tougher Covid-19 restrictions despite a surge in cases of the Omicron variant. The government will continue to closely monitor the data related to the spread of the Omicron strain and make efforts to "protect public health," including a possible toughening of restrictions after Christmas, he added. The prime minister also urged citizens to follow health rules and get vaccinated given the "uncertainty" of the situation. In UK,  the daily average of infections has exceeded 90,000 cases. As of Tuesday, the authorities have confirmed 90,629 new cases and 172 fatalities.