THERE will be no further Covid restrictions in England before the new year despite a rise in Covid cases.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said yesterday people should “remain cautious” and celebrate outside on New Year’s Eve if possible.

He added: “When we get into the new year, of course we will see then whether we do need to take any further measures, but nothing more until then at least.

“Of course, we look at the data on a daily basis, that hasn’t changed over the Christmas period.”

The decision comes despite England reporting a record number of cases on Christmas Day.

The figures showed there were 113,628 new infections reported in England, 103,558 on Boxing Day and 98,515 yesterday.

More than 1,000 new Covid cases were recorded across South Essex over the Christmas period.

In Basildon, 601 new positive test results had been reported yesterday. It means between December 21 and 27 3,167 people had a confirmed positive test result.

This shows an increase of 42.7 per cent compared to the previous seven days in Basildon.

In Southend, a total of 641 new Covid cases had been confirmed as of yesterday.

Between December 21 and 27, 3,146 people had a confirmed positive test result. This shows an increase of 45 per cent compared to the previous seven days.

Mid and South Essex Trust was caring for 131 coronavirus patients in hospital latest figures show.

The number of beds at the trust occupied by people who tested positive for Covid-19 has increased by 41 per cent in the past four weeks – 28 days ago, there were 93.