The Omicron variant continues to spread in Europe with countries reinstating coronavirus restrictions. Omicron is the dominant strain in many European countries. Post-Christmas curbs and greater social distancing measures are now announced by Germany and Portugal among other countries.

Germany announced that from 28 December private gatherings would be restricted to 10 people and clubs would close. Football matches will also be played behind closed doors.

Clubs will remain shut from 26 December in Portugal. Working from home will be obligatory from that date until 9 January. Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people.

Finland has decided to close restaurants at 22:00 on 24 December. The Nordic nation has seen infections at a record level. Restaurants will have to close at 18:00 with limited seating for three weeks from 28 December. Travellers from the EU's border-free Schengen zone will have to produce a negative Covid test.

People infected with Covid in England will be able to end quarantine after seven days instead of 10 if they test negative on days six and seven as announced by the UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid. Any new restrictions for England before Christmas was ruled out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have however announced curbs on social gatherings.

In Sweden, only seated guests will be served in restaurants and cafes from Wednesday. People are asked to work from home if possible.

WHO had warned yesterday that a surge could spell disaster for health systems in the continent. The Omicron variant has been detected in at least 38 of the 53 countries in the WHO's European region, including Russia and Turkey, and is dominant in several, the organisation said.