'Omicron surge on its way' as record 26,122 cases of Covid-19 confirmed 

File photo dated 16/12/21 of Medical staff and volunteers prepare shots of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine at a vaccination centre. People will be able to get a Covid booster vaccine on Christmas Day, NHS England has announced as part of increased efforts to top-up protection against the Omicron variant.

A new daily record of 26,122 Covid-19 cases has been confirmed today, amid predictions that the surge in Omicron infections is likely to be next week. The previous daily record was the 23,817 cases on January 6.

The Department of Health said there are currently 917 patients with Covid in hospital, of which 83 are being treated in intensive care.