BASINGSTOKE'S MP has said the government were right to tighten Covid restrictions before Christmas, as she encourages everyone to start the New Year vaccinated and boosted.

In December 2021 the Prime Minister confirmed that England will move to Plan B following the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in the UK.

The new rules introduced included guidance to work from home, the compulsory wearing of masks and the NHS Covid pass being made mandatory for entry into nightclubs and venues where larger crowds gather.

Maria Miller said that any further restrictions will be linked to the number of Covid patients needing hospital care.

She said: “The Government were right to tighten Covid restrictions before Christmas increasing face mask-wearing, more working from home and requiring covid vaccines or LFTs to enter certain venues, and I know that many people acted responsibly and decided to reduce the numbers of people they met over the festive period to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.”

She continues to encourage residents to get vaccinated and to start the New Year off vaccinated.

She added: "Government restrictions put in place before Christmas were to help reduce the peak of the infection, to help reduce hospital admissions; but put simply, the more people who are fully vaccinated and boosted the fewer people who will need NHS medical help because the severity of the symptoms is reduced. Therefore, it is vital that everyone get their vaccines and get boosted as soon as they are eligible."

This comes as the Covid-19 pandemic is continuing to put pressure on the NHS as Covid related hospital admissions are up, NHS staff sickness caused by Covid is creating pressures in GP Surgeries and hospitals and pharmacies are working hard to cope with the increased demand for lateral flow tests.