Covid: UK cases surge as 12,133 additional Omicron cases confirmed
The health secretary refused to rule out further coronavirus restrictions as the Omicron variant spreads across the country
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The UK recorded 12,133 more cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus on Sunday, a 21 per cent jump on the day before.
The total number of Omicron cases is now at 37,101, with 10,059 cases of the variant recorded on Saturday.
The new data comes after health secretary Sajid Javid indicated on Sunday morning that he had not ruled out plans for a two-week circuit breaker lockdown after Christmas.
He told Sky News that ministers were discussing the latest coronavirus data “almost on an hourly basis” with scientific advisers.
He also confirmed that Parliament would be recalled over the Christmas break if the government wanted to introduce further restrictions.
Health chiefs Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance briefed the Cabinet on Saturday that more restrictions will be needed to stop hospital admissions reaching 3,000 a day in England.
A record number of booster jabs, 830,00, were administered on Saturday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments