Covid infections in England hit 162,572 with another 154 deaths recorded

England's Covid cases breached 160,000 for the second time in four days today, official statistics show as ministers continue to avoid enforcing new restrictions.

UK Health Security Agency data shows there were 162,572 new infections over the last 24 hours, an increase of 33 per cent on the number recorded on Christmas Day when there were 121,880. 

It is the second highest daily total for England ever, with 164,736 cases recorded on December 29.

Some 154 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were recorded across the nation, up 83 per cent from the 84 recorded in the UK last week.

Figures were not available for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and hospitalisation data was not updated.

The figures come after millions of Britons partied into 2022 at late night venues across restriction-free England on New Year's Eve. 

Revellers joined boozy celebrations from Newcastle to Portsmouth and Manchester to Brighton on the final day of 2021 as they ignored the threat from Omicron and marked the end of a tumultuous 12 months.

Partygoers packed into pubs, bars and clubs until the early hours of the morning despite heightened fears about the spread of the Covid after the UK recorded 189,846 new cases yesterday and 203 deaths.  

The Office for National Statistics reported an estimated 2.3million people in the UK had the virus in the week ending December 23, setting another pandemic record.  

But in a fresh boost for the nation's businesses, Health Secretary Sajid Javid hinted tighter restrictions on our everyday lives remain unlikely as he implored the nation to 'try to live' alongside the virus. 

On another day of coronavirus chaos: 

Writing in the Daily Mail, Mr Javid insisted any fresh curbs on freedoms must be 'an absolute last resort', adding that the country is in 'a far stronger position' at the start of the new year than it was 12 months ago. 

Mr Javid said the numbers in intensive care units remained stable, meaning 'we have welcomed in 2022 with some of the least restrictive measures in Europe'. 

Although Scotland and Wales faced strict Covid rules, people living in other home nations flocked across the border for a chance to enjoy the New Year in style and in their best outfits.

In London thousands of people lined the banks of the River Thames to watch the capital's fireworks and drone display, while Piccadilly Circus was packed despite calls for caution around social distancing. 

Thousands of revellers of all ages gathered in nightclubs, bars and pubs in Leeds as they brought the New Year in with huge smiles.

And in one Manchester nightclub, some 10,000 people partied until 4am, although there were some skirmishes in Newcastle, with one man being led away by police.

Meanwhile, after being forced to close under last year's lockdown restrictions, many bars and clubs in Liverpool were pictured crammed with thousands of partygoers yesterday evening. 

The wild celebrations came as Sajid Javid vowed today to do everything in his power to avoid a lockdown this year.   

Downing Street sources indicated that the Government's work from home guidance is likely to be extended when it comes up for review next week because infections and hospitalisations are continuing to rise across the country.

While coronavirus cases are continuing to rise due to the fast-spreading Omicron variant, official figures showed yesterday that in parts of Britain up to four in 10 hospital patients with Covid were actually there to receive treatment for something else. The figure nationally is one in three. 

Mr Javid added: 'Curbs on our freedom must be an absolute last resort and the British people rightly expect us to do everything in our power to avert them.' 

It comes as NHS bosses warn that the 'next few days are crucial' in the nation's fight against coronavirus as Britain continues to battle with a record-setting number of new cases.

Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents health trusts, said staff were working 'flat out' and that the NHS was under 'arguably more pressure' compared with this time last year. 

Mr Hopson warned that the present situation was unsustainable amid staff absences across multiple NHS trusts as he added: 'Long term NHS capacity issues must be addressed'.

Earlier this week Boris Johnson, unlike the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, decided against imposing additional restrictions in England, despite record-breaking Covid infections fuelled by the Omicron variant. 

It led to thousands crossing the border from Wales and Scotland to party into 2022 in England, a move welcomed by English hospitality chiefs.  

Although there were rumours Boris Johnson may impose restrictions to curb the spread of the virus as early as next week, Whitehall sources said no new measures are expected when Plan B is reviewed next week.

The Prime Minister will most likely 'maintain the status quo' of wearing masks indoors, working from home if possible and using vaccine passports where necessary, Whitehall sources told the Sun.

It came after Mr Johnson warned this week that New Year's celebrations should be 'cautious and sensible'. 

Mr Javid has not ruled out another lockdown and government sources said they were still awaiting critical data on the impact of Christmas on the spread of Covid, although according to The Sun, PM Boris Johnson will not alter the existing Plan B rules when they are reviewed next week. 

The Health Secretary warned: 'Due to the time lag between infections and hospitalisations, it's inevitable

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