BORIS Johnson is today weighing up whether to impose fresh restrictions on England to stem the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Speaking earlier in the week, the Prime Minister confirmed that people could go ahead with their Christmas plans, but warned he couldn't "rule out any further measures" after December 25. 

New measures have already come into force in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland but ministers have so far swerved dictating new rules to those in England, instead hoping warnings would encourage people to self-police their own behaviour and cut down on social contacts.

The Prime Minister is expected to be briefed by Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Chris Whitty – who is reportedly likely to receive a knighthood for his pandemic efforts – and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.

If the figures are positive, Mr Johnson could be persuaded to stick to lighter touch measures introduced under Plan B, potentially with some extra words of guidance.

However, if cases were beginning to put unsustainable pressure on the NHS, the PM may feel the need to intervene with more stringent restrictions.

If that was the case, Mr Johnson could be expected to give an announcement to the public later this evening - however this has not yet been confirmed. 

The Times reported that in whichever scenario, however, weddings and funerals would be exempt from any new rules.

Do Boris Johnson's announcements apply to the whole country?

No, Boris Johnson's announcements only apply to England. 

Each of the four nations is responsible for their own pandemic response.