Officials planning two week lockdown after Christmas in England, reports say

A major incident has been declared in London, amid soaring Covid cases across the country.

The city’s mayor said he was “incredibly worried” about the ability of vital public services to continue.

Reports say officials are drawing up plans for a two week circuit-breaker lockdown in England after Christmas. Although many leading scientists say the measures will be needed much sooner.

Seven people in England with Omicron are now confirmed to have died.