but it was much more acute. in fact, this is really lasting probably about a month in duration, as against 75 days of the average of the previous waves. so, yes, they do come in cyclically but we can't be too confident in predicting the intervals and the duration. i think this is really a product of being highly transmissible and milder. later this hour, we're hoping to cross to south africa to speak to one of the professors who was part of the team that confirmed the discovery of omicron. here in the uk, the prime minister has urged people to take a covid test before attending new year's eve parties this evening. no new restrictions have been introduced in england, but in scotland, wales and northern ireland tighter rules are now in place for hospitality venues and indoor gatherings. it comes amid concerns over the availability of coronavirus tests, as the government pledges to deliver eight million additional kits to pharmacies by today. matt graveling reports. this is how london rang in 2020.