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People who want to celebrate the end of 2020 and welcome the New Year have been told to abide by the rules and avoid gatherings.
Stephen Powis, professor of medical director at NHS England, said celebrating the New Year at home with only those closest and dearest and within the rules would “reduce infections, ease pressure on hospitals” and help save lives.
“Covid loves crowds,” he said, “so please save the holidays for later in the year.”
Hogmanay celebrations are also canceled, with Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon saying: “I’m not happy to say this, but we should call in 2021 in our own homes.
He said there had been “a big jump” in reported cases in Scotland on Monday, with 1,895 people testing positive.
“It may be a Christmas delay, but nevertheless, it is indicative of an upward trend,” he added.
“We will be happy to see the end of 2020, but for now it is really vital to do everything possible to reduce risk.”
Sturgeon: ‘There is no room for complacency’
For the first time in its history, Scotland’s flagship Hogmanay event in Edinburgh is moving online, where it will be led by actor David Tennant.
Many other nations are also reviewing its traditional fireworks shows.
Sturgeon said a silenced Hogmanay would help protect the NHS, which is operating under “severe pressure.”
While the number of people in hospitals and intensive care in Scotland is below peak levels in the spring, he said there was “no room for complacency.”
And, at a press conference in Downing Street, Prime Minister Boris Johnson echoed Sturgeon’s sentiments.
He said: “We are still in the tunnel of this pandemic … but the tunnel has shortened and we are moving through it.
“So, follow the rules of the place where you live tomorrow night (New Year’s Eve) and see the new year safely at home.
“That means not meeting friends or family unless they are in the same home or with a bubble of support and avoiding large gatherings of any kind.”
England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said: “I know the New Year is coming, I know it is usually a time of great festivity and enjoyment.
“But now you have to do your part to bring us back from this dangerous situation.”
He warned of a “bleak and depressing outlook” as the new variant of the coronavirus continues to spread across the country.
Police have issued a warning to would-be partygoers, telling them to “celebrate the New Year in the comfort of their own homes, not in the homes of family and friends” or they will face a “very significant” fine.
Metropolitan Police Commander Paul Brogden said: “The public can expect to see officers deployed to the capital, supporting the communities and focusing heavily on the few people who try to violate and ignore the guidance put in place to keep everyone safe.
“Officers will also be paying attention to the parts of London that are experiencing the highest infection rates.”
