OVER 320,000 new coronavirus infections have been recorded over the Christmas break, new data has revealed.

The climb in infections however, will not see New Year's Eve plans ruined, with celebrations set to go ahead with 'no new restrictions'.

Omicron infections continue to spread – but scientists have offered hope that the variant isn't as dangerous as those that came before it.

The rise in infections over the last few days is consistent with rates seen over the last week.

A string of hugely positive studies show Omicron IS milder than other strains, with the first official UK report revealing the risk of hospitalisation is 50 to 70 per cent lower than with Delta.

Covid booster jabs protect against Omicron and offer the best chance to get through the pandemic, health officials have repeatedly said.

The Sun's Jabs Army campaign is helping get the vital extra vaccines in Brits' arms to ward off the need for any new restrictions.

Thousands of Brits came out over the festive period to have their vaccines and booster shots.

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There were more than 12,000 reported vaccinations on Christmas Day, including more than 10,000 top-up doses, and 24,078 on Boxing Day, including 20,278 top-ups.

Over the the last three days, a total of 321,036 people have tested positive for the virus.

On December 25, a further 113,628 cases were recorded and on December 26 this was 108,893.

Today, December 27, 98,515 cases were reported. But this figure could be a little bit lower due to the fact that all nations are not included in the total for the last few days and do not include Scotland or Wales.

And a further 147 people were recorded to have died in the 28 days after taking a PCR test.

There were no deaths recorded on 25 and 26 December, but it is thought that any that did occur will be added to the grim total in the coming days or weeks.

While infections continue to climb, it's thought that there will be no new restrictions put into play in the next few days, saving New Year's Eve celebrations for all.

In a bid to save New Year's celebrations for those who can enjoy them, Prime Minister Boris Johnson could beg Brits to follow voluntary lockdown "guidance" but he will NOT impose new Covid rules.

The PM has been reluctant to recall Parliament to rubberstamp legally-binding lockdown restrictions such as the loathed Rule of Six and outdoor-only dining.

But country-wide "guidance" – which cannot be enforced by cops and does not need commons approval – is still on the cards for New Year's Eve, insiders claim.

It has also been rumoured that kids could be forced to work from home as But country-wide "guidance" – which cannot be enforced by cops and does not need commons approval – is still on the cards for New Year's Eve, insiders claim.

These measures could help to save the NHS from further disruptions – but data released by the health service today shows that admissions are once again at high levels.

GET BOOSTED

Brits have been encouraged to continue to come forward for their booster vaccines and jabs as we head into the New Year.

NHS vaccination chief, Dr Emily Lawson, praised the efforts of staff and volunteers working through the festive period and urged those eligible for a booster shot to take up one of the 1.3 million slots available between today and January 3.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: "It's thanks to our life-saving vaccines, treatments and testing that we've been able to see loved ones over the Christmas weekend.

"The enthusiasm the country has shown for our Covid-19 vaccines has been tremendous, particularly the 214,000 who have gone out of their way this holiday weekend to get their jab and secure protection from the Omicron variant.

"I want to say a big thank you to all the NHS staff and volunteers who worked over the weekend to get jabs in arms. If you're yet to get your booster, do not delay – get boosted now."

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