Boris Johnson urges people not to cancel Christmas parties amid Omicron concern

The prime minister has urged people not to cancel Christmas parties despite concerns over the new Omicron variant of coronavirus.

When asked at a Downing Street press briefing about people scrapping Nativity plays or festive parties, Boris Johnson said: “We don’t want people to cancel such events and we think that overwhelmingly the best thing is for kids to be in school.

“What we’re doing is trying to take a balanced and proportionate approach to the particular risk that is posed by Omicron, focused on measures at the borders. We think that is the right way to go for the time being.”

On Saturday it was announced that face coverings would become compulsory on public transport and in shops from Tuesday and international arrivals would need to take a PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

Although there were no restrictions imposed on hospitality, several operators told The Caterer they had seen a surge in cancellations and a drop in bookings in the 48 hours since the announcement.

Restaurant owners said some customers were panicking in case further restrictions were introduced and called on the prime minister to either financially support the industry or state hospitality environments were safe.