DAILY Covid cases have soared to a new record high today, amid fears of New Year restrictions.
A further 106,122 Brits have tested positive – with 13,581 new cases of the Omicron strain reported.
It comes as Boris Johnson is today pouring over make-or-break data that could see fresh restrictions imposed after Christmas.
Key stats on hospitalisations could tip the balance on a circuit-breaker lockdown, if scientists fear Omicron cases risk swamping the NHS.
A major report is expected within days from the UK Health Security Agency, which will detail whether or not Omicron is more transmissible, and how that might impact hospitalisations.
The PM stressed booster jabs are the best weapon in our arsenal to fight Covid, and urged all Brits to get jabbed.
It makes it more vital than ever to sign up to The Sun’s Jabs Army campaign, to help turbocharge the booster rollout.
A booster shot is the best protection against Omicron, with early data suggesting it pushes efficacy back up to 75 per cent.
Today’s data reveals a further 140 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for the virus, as 14 deaths have so far been attributed to Omicron.
In total, the UK Health Security Agency has recorded 74,089 cases of the new variant.
As overall cases hit a record high today – fuelled by the rapid spread of Omicron – hospitalisations are starting to increase, figures show.
Government data shows that 8,008 people are being treated in hospital with Covid as of December 19.
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This is the highest number since November 22 and is up 4 per cent from a week earlier.
During the second wave of coronavirus, hospital numbers peaked at 39,254 on January 18.
Separate NHS England figures show that 2,036 Covid patients were in hospital as of December 22 – the highest since February 27, and up 48 per cent from a week earlier.
During the second wave of coronavirus last winter, the number peaked at 7,917 on January 18.
Across England, 7,080 patients were in hospital with Covid-19 on December 22 – the highest number since November 4 and up 11 per cent week-on-week.
The second-wave peak for England was 34,336 on January 18.
Coronavirus cases in the UK are now so severe that the government has been forced to add a black colour to its interactive infections map, which shows which parts of the country have the most cases.
The darkest colour had previously been purple.
Just yesterday one top doctor revealed that 9 out of 10 patients in intensive care in London were unvaccinated.
Professor Rupert Pearse, an intensive care doctor in London said waiting for hospitalisations to rise would put further pressure on the NHS.
A total of 301 Covid-19 admissions were recorded by hospitals in London on December 20, NHS England said.
This is up 78 per cent week-on-week and the highest number for a single day since February 7.
Admissions in London during the second wave peaked at 977 on January 6.
The capital has been the epicentre of the Omicron outbreak, and where the highest infection rates have been recorded.
Lambeth continues to have the highest rate in the UK, with 8,780 new cases in the seven days to December 17 – the equivalent of 2,728.3 per 100,000 people.
This is up from 761.6 in the seven days to December 10.
Wandsworth in London has the second highest rate, up from 751.8 to 2,643.9, with 8,718 new cases.
Hackney & City of London has the third highest rate, up from 676.7 to 2,352.3, with 6,866 new cases.
In order to combat Omicron vaccines and booster doses are still being rolled out at break neck speed across the UK.
Today the NHS announced that texts have been sent to 690,000 people inviting them to book an earlier slot in December for their booster vaccine, as the race against the virus continues at speed.
Millions of vaccines have been delivered and Dr Emily Lawson, director of the NHS Covid-19 Programme said ‘no stone has been left unturned’ when it comes to protecting people against the virus.
Dr Lawson added: “In a week of records for boosters, with more than 750,000 delivered in one day yesterday, we want even more people to get protected for Christmas.
“So there is no need to delay – when you get your text, come forward and get boosted now.”
The PM has ruled out more measures this side of Christmas but warned he could take action before the New Year if the pandemic picture blackens.
Millions are desperate to see out 2021 with a big blow-out and are praying Boris Johnson doesn’t drop bombshell circuit-breaker restrictions.
Ministers reportedly hope to hold off pulling the trigger on more curbs if hospitalisations stay below 400 in the capital.
Mr Johnson will soon also be presented with encouraging findings from government scientists that Omicron is milder than Delta.
The UK Health Security Agency report leaked to the Politico website shows people are much less likely to get really sick than with other mutations.
