Omicron emergency: How does the UK plan to tackle Covid-19 ‘tidal wave’?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, gestures as he records an address to the nation in Downing Street (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)

Boris Johnson has declared an “Omicron emergency” and warned people against thinking the new variant will not make them seriously ill.

Here is a look at what the current situation is in the UK and what is expected to happen over the coming days and weeks.