The prime minister, Boris Johnson, will declare today new Covid restrictions in England before the new year.
After two days without published figures, Boris Johnson will hear the impact on the NHS of record infections later today.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have tightened up for a second day, with new restrictions for pubs and restaurants.
In both nations hospitality venues have returned to table service only – while social distancing has been reintroduced in several places including gyms, cinemas and theatres in Scotland, and offices in Northern Ireland.
Authorities also decided to close nightclubs in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Downing Street did not yet decide whether to impose extra measures in England, but it previously said it would not hesitate to act after Christmas if necessary.
However, some business owners have called for clarity as they look ahead to New Year’s Eve.
The UK’s daily COVID infections have passed 100,000 for the first time amid Omicron spread.
The UK registered a record-breaking 106,122 new COVID-19 infections in 24 hours ahead of the holidays.
The country reported more than 100,000 daily infections for the first time.
Infections have risen nearly 60% in the past week compared to the week before, UK authorities said.
