Official figures showed there had been 36,804 new cases and a further 691 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, both up markedly from a day before. The authorities have since brought in tight social mixing restrictions measures for London, southeast England and Wales while plans to ease curbs over Christmas across the nation have been dramatically scaled back or scrapped altogether. Many countries have also closed their borders to Britain due to concern over the mutated strain of the coronavirus. Home Secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel said ministers had been very proactive over bringing in preventative measures to encourage people to stay at time throughout the Christmas period. "The government has consistently throughout this year been ahead of the curve in terms of proactive measures with regards to coronavirus," she told BBC radio.

Source: bd News24 December 22, 2020 16:41 UTC