Times

NHS chiefs do not believe the threshold for new coronavirus restrictions has yet been crossed despite a surge in hospitalisations, The Times reports.

The Times hears that Boris Johnson is being urged to cut the self-isolation period for those with COVID-19 to protect the NHS from a staffing crisis.

No more coronavirus restrictions in England before the end of the year, reports The Times.

Weddings and funerals are to be exempted from any new COVID restrictions if the government decides that tougher measures are needed, writes The Times. 

The Times also cites two studies showing that Omicron is less likely to cause severe disease, supporting the PM’s decision to pause further restrictions. The studies have been described as “good news” by health officials and came as the UK reported more than 100,000 COVID cases on Wednesday. 

 The Prime Minister has urged people to take a COVID test before meeting relatives for Christmas, says The Times.

The chancellor is among at least 10 cabinet ministers questioning the scientific modelling being used to press the need for new COVID restrictions, The Times says.Government advisers have said there could be as many as 3,000 daily hospital admissions if swift action is not taken.But the paper says government figures have questioned the accuracy of those predictions and are resisting new curbs.

The Times leads on the inquiry into alleged parties thrown at Downing Street, which is in “disarray” after Simon Case was forced to quit over claims his office held a gathering during lockdown.