British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he is hoping to avoid another national lockdown in England but admits COVID cases have increased in recent weeks.
It comes after a tough new six-week lockdown was announced in Northern Ireland from December 26.
Wales will also begin a lockdown on December 28, while the Scottish government has said nothing can be ruled out ahead of a review on Tuesday.
Health bosses have warned the National Health Service is already under significant pressure.
The UK recorded a further 28,507 cases on Friday, along with 489 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
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