This week UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that there would be no restrictions

brought in before Christmas in England.

Despite daily cases in the UK exceeding 100,000 for the first time yesterday.

We don't think today that there is enough evidence to justify any tougher measures before Christmas.

But in Scotland, Wales and a host of other countries around the world,

there have been new measures announced to try and

reduce the peak of the oncoming omicron wave.

I'll also confirm Cabinet's decision to propose some additional protections in relation to large scale live events and

indoor public places.

We judge these to be necessary to further slow the spread of the virus so that we can protect health, the National Health Service

and the economy as we work to complete booster vaccinations.

The UK government has instead said that it will be keeping a constant eye on how infections translate into hospitalizations.

This is a really serious threat at the moment.

How big a threat, there are several things we don't

know but all the things that we do know are bad.

So what might the weeks and months ahead look like if Omicron continues to spread rapidly?

And are there any glimmers of hope with 2022 on the horizon.

From the Guardian, I'm Madeline Finley,

and this is Science Weekly. Be an example, as the Guardian's science editor, it's been another busy week for you,

a hectic end to a hectic year, how are you feeling?

I'm okay actually, I mean, you know, if I think about it pretty pasted, but generally speaking,

I've, you know, all right, I've been far worse, so, uh, yeah yeah I'll take it.

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