economy. health, protect the nhs and the econom . a health, protect the nhs and the econom . , health, protect the nhs and the econom. , , ., health, protect the nhs and the econom. , ., ., , economy. mar body is to have been found as rescuers _ economy. mar body is to have been found as rescuers reach _ economy. mar body is to have been| found as rescuers reach islands that were cut last week's typhoon. one film maker captured this terrifying moment on video. we will hear about his experience. the high court in london has ordered the ruler of dubai to pay more than $700 million in divorce settlement to his ex—wife. let's begin this hour with the latest on coronavirus in the uk. scotland has cancelled the official hogmanany parade in edinburgh — the uk government has announced £1 billion of support for businesses — and borisjohnson says there won't be any new restrictions coming into effect before christmas, in england. the uk reported 90,629 cases on tuesday the prime minister tweeted "i wanted to confirm that people can go ahead with their christmas plans. but we're keeping a constant eye on the data and can't rule out any further measures after christmas." jonathan blake is in westminster. what details do we have on the reasoning behind this decision by the pre—minister? i reasoning behind this decision by the pre-minister?_ the pre-minister? i think it is clear that _ the pre-minister? i think it is clear that they _ the pre-minister? i think it is clear that they don't - the pre-minister? i think it is clear that they don't have - the pre-minister? i think it is - clear that they don't have enough data to convince, perhaps, the more sceptical ministers and cabinets. certainly a lot of deeply sceptical conservative mps that measures are necessary now. they're simply too many unknowns, it seems, says the prime minister in his video statements on social media this evening around the severity of the omicron variants, how many people will end up in hospital having been infected with that, and also the effectiveness of the boosterjabs and vaccines in against it. at this point, given that it would take a couple of days to recall parliament to give mps to get the go—ahead that would give any measures proposed by the government and get them in place before christmas, it's really too late to act in any case, so we have confirmation that the —— this evening from the pre—minister that in england, there will be no new restrictions put in place between now and then, but as he sat, he felt that the possibility that they may well have to be brought in after christmas. well have to be brought in after christmas-_ christmas. help me out on that possibility _ christmas. help me out on that possibility that _ christmas. help me out on that possibility that restrictions - christmas. help me out on that| possibility that restrictions could come in after christmas. they are huge amounts of speculation that thatis huge amounts of speculation that that is coming down the track. before that happens, with the prime minister need to get all mps back into the house of commons? ministers have civen into the house of commons? ministers have given an — into the house of commons? ministers have given an undertaking _ into the house of commons? ministers have given an undertaking that - have given an undertaking that parliament would be to be recalled, and as things stand, that would mean mps coming back to westminster in person, a possible hybrid or virtual sitting maybe necessary or may be judged to be appropriate by the government and by the authorities and parliaments, but it would need that can answer that given the level of opposition there was to the most recent introduction of restrictions under plan b that the government felt necessary to bring income i don't think it will be possible for borisjohnson to do this and ask mps to vote retrospectively as they have done previously in the pandemic. it will probably need to be rubber—stamped by mps before they came in, so whether that's over the christmas break or not, it would take a bit of time to get that done. that's the pre—minister�*s approach. what are the opposition parties saying? what would labour do if they were in charge. the? saying? what would labour do if they were in charge-— were in charge. they been turning a careful eye — were in charge. they been turning a careful eye on _ were in charge. they been turning a careful eye on this. _ were in charge. they been turning a careful eye on this. in _ were in charge. they been turning a careful eye on this. in the _ were in charge. they been turning a careful eye on this. in the last - careful eye on this. in the last couple of days, they called for clarity, saying that the government needed to provide certainty to people ahead of christmas about what it was going to do. but they were not coming forward with their own proposals are staying at this point that we would impose expires he restrictions. they say that's because they don't have access to the same data and level of information that the government does. they have throughout been calling for more support for businesses over sick pay for staff and various other bigger picture changes, if you like. nothing specific on the proposed restrictions that labour or other opposition parties would put in place at that —— at this point. jonathan, thank you very much indeed. borisjohnson's position on what happens in england. in scotland, meanwhile, new restrictions being announced, the straight party in edinburgh has been cancelled because of new limits on gatherings. here are some of the new rules. fom boxing day — there will be a 500—person limit on outdoor events. that also means no spectators at most football matches. there will be a 100 person limit on indoor events with a standing audience, and from 27 december, pubs will be table—service only. the restrictions will last for three weeks. first minister nicola sturgeon explained why they were focussed on large events. we know that the much higher transmissibility of omicron means large gatherings have the potential to become very rapid super spreader events, putting large numbers at risk of getting infected very quickly. limiting these events helps reduce their risk of widespread transmission. it also cuts down the transmission risk associated with travel to and from such events. lorna gordon has been getting reaction to the new restrictions — in glasgow. among those facing these changes, in just a few days' time, a mixture of weariness, resignation and acceptance. it's very difficult to know what the right thing to do is, but what we don't want to do is wait until we run out of hospital beds and then decide it's the right thing to do. two years down the line and nothings changed, so, yeah, pretty annoyed, but... nicola sturgeon said it remained a priority to reopen schools as normal after the holidays, and that one of the reasons for asking adults to make these sacrifices for a period after christmas is to minimise the impact on children's education. the aim is that 80% of those eligible will be fully vaccinated by the new year. the hope, that the booster will beat back the need for these restrictions to stay in place longer than the planned three weeks. back in westminster — the uk government has announced £ibillion in support for businesses — that's about $1.3billion. it's targeting hospitality and leisure businesses hit by the rise in cases. here's the chancellor of the exchequer. if you look at the grants we are providing today, up to £6,000 for hospitality businesses, they are comparable in generosity to the grants that were provided when these businesses were fully closed, completely closed earlier this year. taken together this steps we've announced today will help hundreds of thousands of hospitality businesses and the millions of people that they employ. as the chancellor said, the measures include grants of up to £6,000 per premises — cafes, cinemas and hotels are among the types of business that are eligible. the government is also helping some firms with the cost of sick pay. and there's an extra £30 million to help theatres and museums. the confederation of british industry represents business, they welcomed the anouncement but said more help is still needed. look, it will certainly provide some crucial breathing space for our pubs, cafes, restaurants, leisure as we head into these crucial winter months. i think, is that enough? no, that really depends on what happens from here. i think we have seen some direct grants, that was the mechanism that was used in previous lockdowns, and i think it's a recognition by government that what we have seen in recent days has felt like a lockdown by stealth for so many businesses out there, but i think if we do see more restrictions, we are going to need to see more support, but i think it has given some important breathing space and support to cash flow for some of the hardest hit businesses, but i don't think its job done yet. the centre of the omicron wave in the uk is the capital — london. in england last week, there were more than 700 infections per 100,000 people. compare that to london — that rate was almost 1,300 infections. and in the worst part of the capital, lambeth, the rate was 2,500 infections — the rate for the borough — which is in south east london — is almost four times the rate for england overall. sophie hutchinson reports from brixton. and the surge seems to be driven by younger age groups with people in their 20s making up a third of all cases. we think it's to do with having a young and very mobile and diverse population and a busy and active night life in the borough. and one in five people are testing positive than any stage in the pandemic. just what the increase in infections will mean for the nhs is a major concern. in london, hospital admissions have been rising since the end of november. a number of trusts are warning that planned operations might need to be cancelled in the new year. the immediate impact felt in london and the emergency departments our staff sickness rates and they are higher and that's making it difficult to run emergency departments. it's not the first time london has been at the front of a coronavirus wave. as an international hub, it's perhaps more vulnerable to changing patterns of infection. what happens in the next week or so may be an indicator of the impact of omicron on the rest of the uk. as we heard there, staff absences are affecting services in london hospitals. the mayor of london sadiq khan, has outlined the problems facing public services in the city. since the start of this month, we have seen an increase in the number of positive cases by more than 250% in relation to hospital admissions and increase of almost 70% since the start of december. the number of positive cases is only going in one direction, and the real concern we have which is the immediate concern is the impact it has on staff absences from the nhs, think hospitals, ambulances, gps, after consulting with colleagues in the nhs, the fire service, and the met police service, we realise that if it where to go on the same trajectory, the graph, we would have many public services collapsing. we remove all the silos and have a strategic, and control in the centre and speaking all the time about what each part of the london ecosystem is doing and how we help each other. last year, we had fire fighters helping the ambulance service drive ambulances. but you will be aware over the course of the next few weeks, we need to make sure refuse is collected. we need to make sure ambulances can continue to work. that's why it's important to keep an eye on staff absences, because what we don't want is any part of the system collapsing. we are on the cusp of certain parts of the furniture in london which looks after our city being on the cusp of collapse. to the us — covid infections are surging. the worst hit city is new york. the new mayor—elect is postponing his inauguration, which was set for one january. eric adams has said in a statement... the current mayor is taking this approach. as of today, we are announcing a $100 incentive for everyone who goes out and gets a booster here in new york city between now and the end of the year. so it's a limited time opportunity over these next days, get your booster shot, get $100 incentive. across the us more than 250,000 cases were reported in the last 2a hours — one of the highest daily tallies of the pandemic. and 73% of those are omicron. in response, president biden's administration is deploying 1,000 military medical workers to hospitals, and making 500 million rapid covid tests available — forfree. joe biden will make a tv address shortly. of course, we will see that when it happens. we've already heard from vice president kamala harris. we have the power today to go out, and if you've not been boosted go get boosted. the power today to go and get vaccinated, and that will have an impact on where we end up tomorrow. is that the fault of the unvaccinated? i don't think this is a moment to talk about fault. it is no one's fault that this virus hit our shores or hit the world. this is a recent press briefing from the white house... data on that is still scarce, and the new york times reports that here's the president of the largest nurses union. the public needs to know that it is really important for them to get vaccinated and get the booster, you know, as soon as possible. the effects of the variance will not be as deadly as if they were not vaccinated. so it is really crucial that they get vaccinated. this is some of the latest data from the us government. a51 unvaccinated people per 100,000 are getting the virus, compared to 134 when fully vaccinated and 48 for people who've had a boosterjab too. and this is the data for deaths. six deaths have been record per 100,000 unvaccinated people, 0.5 for vaccinated and 0.1 for boosted. we've also heard from president biden's chief medical adviser, anthony fauci, speaking to cbs. if you are vaccinated, you are boosted, yourfamily is vaccinated and boosted, you could feel comfortable in the home setting of a dinner or a gathering together with family and friends who are in fact vaccinated and boosted. dr ellie murray is assistant professor of epidemiology at the university of boston. thank you very much indeed for joining us. we havejust heard repeatedly this emphasis on those who have not been vaccinated. do you think that is the correct approach? i think that that really ignores the fact that pandemics affect whole communities. the end vaccinated includes everyone under the age of five, it includes many pregnant individuals, many individuals who recently given birth, because there was a lot of concern about misinformation then concerned that the vaccines may not be safe, which they absolutely are safer pregnant people to take and lactating people to take. on vaccinated people also includes a lot of people who are incarcerated. this is not a group thatis incarcerated. this is not a group that is distinct from the population. when you talk about on vaccinated people and their family members, that's all of us.- vaccinated people and their family members, that's all of us. there are --eole in members, that's all of us. there are people in similar _ members, that's all of us. there are people in similar circumstances - members, that's all of us. there are people in similar circumstances that| people in similar circumstances that you have reference to will not be getting vaccines for those reasons, but the majority of americans who aren't vaccinated are choosing not to go and get the vaccine. appropriate for the biden administration to administration to say to them, look, this is causing huge problems, notjust for you and yourfamilies but for the huge problems, notjust for you and your families but for the country as a whole. 50 your families but for the country as a whole. ., , , ., , ., a whole. so the noisiest group of eo - le a whole. so the noisiest group of people who _ a whole. so the noisiest group of people who are _ a whole. so the noisiest group of people who are not _ a whole. so the noisiest group of people who are not getting - people who are not getting vaccinated are saying that they are not getting vaccinated because they are sceptical of the vaccine, but when we do survey the end vaccinated individuals, what we hear is they don't have time off work to go get vaccinated or they can't find a vaccination site, that's particularly true with boosters, but also at first and second doses, or they are not sure that they really believe that it's free because the government doesn't give things out for free, government doesn't give things out forfree, so government doesn't give things out for free, so why should they trust that? a lot of it is not around to being completely against vaccinations, it'sjust not being completely against vaccinations, it's just not having had the chance to get a vaccine, not having a vaccine easily accessible, not having somebody to ask do you want the bite administration to do to address those hurdles to make it easierfor to do to address those hurdles to make it easier for people to both believe in the process and to access the process? 50 believe in the process and to access the process?— the process? so what we have seen time and time _ the process? so what we have seen time and time again _ the process? so what we have seen time and time again is _ the process? so what we have seen time and time again is community | time and time again is community based vaccination clinics, vaccination sites set up in neighbourhood areas where people are spending their time, shopping malls, these kinds of things, where people can encounter the vaccine and easily get it, they can ask questions. these results result in higher vaccination rates, so we went to see some of that happening. we also wants an acknowledgement of the fact that somebody who goes and gets a vaccine today are a booster today is not immediately protected. if you are getting your first dose of the vaccine today, you have at least two weeks before you have any real, you know, assurance of protection while your body responds to that vaccine apologies for interrupting. if we bearin apologies for interrupting. if we bear in mind the points you are making, first of all the boosters want to live a level of protection for several weeks, the strategies you are suggesting to get more people vaccinated even if they were put in place would take months to have a significant impact on the number of people who are vaccinated in america. does that mean in the short term america is particularly vulnerable to omicron and what it can do in the next few weeks during the winter? , can do in the next few weeks during the winter?— the winter? yes, exactly. vaccines are not the — the winter? yes, exactly. vaccines are not the solution _ the winter? yes, exactly. vaccines are not the solution for— the winter? yes, exactly. vaccines are not the solution for this - the winter? yes, exactly. vaccines| are not the solution for this coming week, days coming two weeks of the holiday period where we have omicron. what we need in the next few weeks as many people masking, we need businesses to be closed if they are not essential, we need capacity limits, we need incentives for people to work from home. we heard earlier here that the uk is doing some providing some grants to businesses, that's the kind of thing we need to see in the us as well. we need to see support for places to close down as much as possible to reduce contact as much as possible. we need to encourage people to limit their gatherings both in size and in their gatherings both in size and in the number of gatherings they intend, and that is unpleasant over the holiday season, but it's what we have to do a. the holiday season, but it's what we have to do a— have to do a. doctor, thank you for “oininr have to do a. doctor, thank you for joining us- — as reported on outside source, the philippines was hit by a typhoon last week — and rescuers are still reaching people who were cut off. these are the latest images. and as rescuers reach affected islands — they're discovering more people who didn't survive — and villages that have been flattened. at least 375 people were killed in total. on the islands is shargo in the south of the country. there is no power, no communications, and very little water. these images were sent to us by pepe djok—no who was on the island when the typhoon hit — they show the moment he watches a wave crash into the house he was staying in. he spoke to us about it. honestly, it was terrifying. at around 8:45am, we saw a huge wave hit the house that we were staying at. we were at a house, i b&b that is on a cliff that's about 2—3 stories high, about three metres from the ocean, so when we saw that big wave heads at 8:16 a:m., we knew that at two p: m., it would be the peak of the typhoon, so that wasn't the least event. we decided to evacuate to higher ground. the place that we to it was a prefabricated garage, so we were not sure it would hold, thankfully it did. just to go back to the giant wave at 8:45am, we were really concerned because we were on an elevated area. the town where we were at is sea level, and we learned after when things calmed down, the seawall that was in the town had completely disappeared. so imagine the force of that wave, what it did to the nearby towns. our philippines correspondent howard johnson is the first international broadcaster to reach the island — he sent us this update from there. ican i can see the philippine red cross offering their assistance to people care so that they can call loved ones. it's pitch black hair. you can hear the buzz of the generator in the background. there is no electricity here in the city. i am standing in an area that was normally a buzzing surface paradise. ed was voted as one of the best island destinations in asia, and now ed resembles a ghost town. you can see trees without leaves on them, lit up by the low lights that are running up the generators tonight. moving around the island, i spoke to many people who were forced into tears because of the experience that they went there when the storm hits. they said it was an awful experience. they were terrified for their children, cowering next to them. many people have been telling me they are worried about water supplies here. some people have been getting diarrhoea and stomach issues because the water they are pulling up because the water they are pulling up from the wells is no longer drinkable. so they are appealing for more water, more food and for the electricity to be fixed so that the communications can come back as soon as the electricity is back on. the coronavirus pandemic has caused many people to reassess the way they work. in america, more than one in 30 employees quit theirjobs in september and october alone, economists are calling it the great resignation. our north america correspondent has been to kentucky where workers are redesigning at a particularly high rate. alex carter hit his breaking point last year, the former bank manager grew tired of dealing with bad behaviour from customers during the pandemic. the attitudes customers during the pandemic. tue: attitudes of customers during the pandemic. tte: attitudes of the customers during the pandemic. "tte: attitudes of the people customers during the pandemic. t'te: attitudes of the people who customers during the pandemic. tte: attitudes of the people who come in and don't want to follow the rules and yell at you about why they don't feel they need to come he can only take so much of that. bier: feel they need to come he can only take so much of that.— take so much of that. alec started lookin: take so much of that. alec started looking for— take so much of that. alec started looking for a _ take so much of that. alec started looking for a job _ take so much of that. alec started looking for a job that _ take so much of that. alec started looking for a job that wasn't - looking for a job that wasn't customer facing. looking for a job that wasn't customerfacing. he got looking for a job that wasn't customer facing. he got an offer from a local manufacturing company here in kentucky. this from a local manufacturing company here in kentucky.— here in kentucky. this was absolutely _ here in kentucky. this was absolutely the _ here in kentucky. this was absolutely the best - here in kentucky. this was absolutely the best career| here in kentucky. this was - absolutely the best career move for me and my family. bile}. absolutely the best career move for me and my family.— absolutely the best career move for me and my family. alex isn't alone. in october, — me and my family. alex isn't alone. in october, more _ me and my family. alex isn't alone. in october, more than _ me and my family. alex isn't alone. in october, more than 4 _ me and my family. alex isn't alone. in october, more than 4 million - in october, more than 4 million americans quit theirjobs, part of a trend economists call the great resignation. and it's notjust millennia else. t resignation. and it's not 'ust millennia elsei resignation. and it's not 'ust millennia else. resignation. and it's not 'ust millenniaelse. ~ ., �*, ., ., millennia else. i know it's going to work at the _ millennia else. i know it's going to work at the same _ millennia else. i know it's going to work at the same for _ millennia else. i know it's going to work at the same for you. - millennia else. i know it's going to work at the same for you. alex's l work at the same for you. alex's data switching _ work at the same for you. alex's data switching jobs. _ work at the same for you. alex's data switching jobs. we - work at the same for you. alex's data switching jobs. we met - work at the same for you. alex'sj data switching jobs. we met saw work at the same for you. alex's - data switching jobs. we met saw how happy alex was, i told him to keep his eyes open. mike clark is in a communist at the college of business and economics. according to him the great resignation is also the great rotation, as people take advantage of the tight labour markets. tt’s of the tight labour markets. it's not simply _ of the tight labour markets. tt�*s not simply that people are re—signing. when you look at all the data, what we seem to be seeing is that people are turning over, they are going to newjobs, so it's more of a turnover situation. josh are going to new jobs, so it's more of a turnover situation.— of a turnover situation. josh hoff click to start _ of a turnover situation. josh hoff click to start his _ of a turnover situation. josh hoff click to start his own _ of a turnover situation. josh hoff click to start his own business. l of a turnover situation. josh hoff i click to start his own business. the former forklift driver recently launching bourbon city taxi service in kentucky. t launching bourbon city taxi service in kentucky-— in kentucky. i look forward to the day versus _ in kentucky. i look forward to the day versus dreading _ in kentucky. i look forward to the day versus dreading going - in kentucky. i look forward to the day versus dreading going into i in kentucky. i look forward to the day versus dreading going into it | day versus dreading going into it because i don't consider what i do work. ~ ., , because i don't consider what i do work. . , , work. while many people left 'abs for more money i work. while many people left 'abs for more money are i work. while many people left 'abs for more money are more i work. while many people left jabs i for more money are more flexibility, josh's reasons were more personal. without my daughter had cancer at one point, and to... i was at work. i couldn't leave, and they were like if you leave, you know, it's going to be a write up. at that point, i was just like, to be a write up. at that point, i wasjust like, you know what, i parked my forklift, got off of it and said do what you've got to do and said do what you've got to do and i left. then my grandmother passed, and my grandfather. i'm sorry... passed, and my grandfather. i'm sor �* y �* passed, and my grandfather. i'm sor ...�* , �* ., sorry... i'm sorry, i didn't mean to... i didn't— sorry... i'm sorry, i didn't mean to... i didn't get _ sorry... i'm sorry, i didn't mean to... i didn't get to _ sorry... i'm sorry, i didn't mean to... i didn't get to go - sorry... i'm sorry, i didn't mean to... i didn't get to go to - sorry... i'm sorry, i didn't mean to... i didn't get to go to my - to... i didn't get to go to my grandpa's — to... i didn't get to go to my grandpa's funeral. _ to... i didn't get to go to my l grandpa's funeral. surrounded to... i didn't get to go to my - grandpa's funeral. surrounded by death and illness _ grandpa's funeral. surrounded by death and illness during - grandpa's funeral. surrounded by death and illness during the - death and illness during the pandemic, josh, like many, started to feel that life is passing him by. how do you feel today?— to feel that life is passing him by. how do you feel today? today i feel liberated. there's _ how do you feel today? today i feel liberated. there's so _ how do you feel today? today i feel liberated. there's so much - how do you feel today? today i feel liberated. there's so much more . how do you feel today? today i feel liberated. there's so much more to | liberated. there's so much more to life than a big house or having that career. has life than a big house or having that career. �* , ., , life than a big house or having that career. ~ , . , . , .., career. as in many cultures come in america, a — career. as in many cultures come in america. a job _ career. as in many cultures come in america. a job is — career. as in many cultures come in america, a job is more _ career. as in many cultures come in america, a job is more than - career. as in many cultures come in america, a job is more than just - career. as in many cultures come in america, a job is more than just a l america, a job is more thanjust a wage. it is a source of self—esteem and status. at the pandemic is altering this country's obsession with work, changing how some people think about life and work and what they want out of both. michelle fleury, bbc news, kentucky. thanks michelle for that. a reminder that the prime minister said there will be no further restrictions in england between now and christmas. we will turn back to that story in the next half hour. good evening. the day has finished with a few marcotte breaks around than we had to start with, and as those cloud breaks become a bit more abundant tonight, just watch how the blue colours appear quite widely on the chart, an indication of a widespread frost developing across parts of wales, england and scotland. not quite so towards northern ireland where the cloud will be thickening up later in the night. temperatures well lift, but we could see temperatures as low as —3 to —7 degrees a bit more widely as we go into the morning. still under the influence of the ridge of high pressure, but the breeze is picking up, it's helping to break up the cloud, and further west, we start to see the influence of the atlantic start to show its hand. and it will do more through the coming few days. but for wednesday, it begins with cloud, outbreaks of rain developing in northern ireland. they will be on and off through the day. sunny, frosty start elsewhere, but clouding over from the west, rain spreading in across central and southern scotland through the day, parts of northern and western england and wales, maybe even the odd heavier burst too, but many parts of the midlands, east anglia, the southeast and the far north of mainland scotland stay dry and breaks through the day, but staying chilly here compared to the 8—10 celsius we will see in western areas. the mild air wins out, as we go from wednesday night into thursday, weather front pushes its way north. itjust fizzles out in situ, it could produce some snow for a time over the hills, but by the time we hit thursday morning, it will be a frost free start, and just note the temperatures in belfast and plymouth to begin the day, 11—12 celsius. much milder, much muggier than we've seen the recent days. now, another weather front is on its way in for thursday. that is set to bring rain erratically northwards and eastwards. the heaviest bursts likely to be across parts of scotland, particularly during the afternoon, but we will see some splashes of rain across parts of wales, central southern england, a bit more then we will see on wednesday. heavy rain for a time in northern ireland, a bit of brightness in between those two rain bands, you can see there,a and brightening up to the southwest later. 13—14 celsius in the south. still a little bit cooler in the north, but widely a much milder day. but as we go into the night and into the start of christmas eve, dense fog then becomes an issue as the rain initially clears away. another batch of rain will come in on friday, but the fog could be a struggle for one or two to shift. the rain, again, following a similar sort of pattern to thursday, not quite as wet across scotland and the far north of england, but even here, there will be some light rain or drizzle, and it will be turning chillier at times. that colder air fights its way back as we go into christmas day. it doesn't look like for many it will be a white christmas, some rain in the south in the milder air, but it's crucial where that dividing line is, if it's a bit further southwards, then you can expect a bit more snow in the hills. hello, i'm ros atkins, this is outside source. christmas will be going ahead in england with no further restrictions. the prime minister says there would not be any new measures against coronavirus right now. but the further measures after christmas cannot be ruled out. as cases continue to spread globally, the health organisation and is urging people to avoid unnecessary travel over the holiday season. bah travel over the holiday season. an event travel over the holiday season. in event cancelled is better than a life cancelled. it is better to cancel now and celebrate later than to celebrate now and grieve later. dozens of migrants drowned when the boat capsized and they have found out more about who they were and why they made the journey. the high court in london has ordered more than $700 million in a divorce settlement with his ex—wife. the world health organization is urging people to avoid unneccessary travel over the holidays, and possibly even cancel plans, as the new coronavirus variant takes hold. here's the head of the who. there can be no doubt that increased social mixing over the holiday period in many countries will lead to increased cases of systems and more deaths. and an event cancelled is better than a life cancelled. it is better than a life cancelled. it is better than a life cancelled. it is better to cancel now and celebrate later and to celebrate now and grieve later. many countries are imposing travel curbs. the us is now advising against travel to more than 80 countries, including almost all of europe. while in europe, france, cyprus and austria have tightened travel restrictions. there are other restrictions too. denmark has closed theatres, concert halls, amusement parks and museums. in portugal and germany new year's eve parties will be restricted to ten people. also in portugal, tests will be mandatory to enter hotels and weddings. netherlands has gone the furthest, its two days into a strict lockdown. all non essential stores, bars and restaurants are closed until the 14th of january. next sweden — and this announcement from the prime minister. so, in addition to encouraging people to getting vaccinated, we have a number of restrictions that will apply from the 23rd of december. home working for anyone who can and that means that now that many people are and that means that now that many are packing up for the christmas holidays, prepare to work from home for a period of time. that's to reduce the risk of cross—contamination on the way to and from work or at work. and in practice, that means there'll be no night club partying on new year's eve. and it's notjust europe. new zealand has delayed its plans to gradually reopen its borders until the end of february. its border has been closed to international travellers since march last year. here's its covid—19 response minister. "all evidence so far points to omicron being the most transmissible variant yet. the public health advice suggests that soon every case coming in through our border, into our managed isolation facilities will be the omicron variant. our immediatejob right now must be to slow it down and to delay it from entering the new zealand community for as long as we possibly can." for people who want to travel overseas or to come home, we are aware that today will not be welcome news. but it's important to set these changes out as clearly as we can, as early as we can. so people do have time to consider their plans. this will also impact travellers coming from neighbouring australia. shaimaa khalil is in sydney. last month, the new zealand government had announced a phase to reopening of international waters and is going to be the start of january for new zealand and for visa holders and australia. and that it was going to be for new zealanders anywhere in the by the end of april 2022, it was going to be for any fully vaccinated visitors for any parts. the start of that phased plan has now started in february and will affect the travel plans for many families in australia. as the end of the school year instead of the school holidays and many families will be waiting for the 17th of january to reunite with loved ones. and of course, this was going to be the start of new zealand opening up to the the rest of the world and in a much better position than the delta variant and an outbreak that happened, they are now more than 90% vaccinations across new zealand and there is community cases that are trending and around 28 today and these feel like out of this road numbers, but the big test is going to be what happened here in australia. and opening its international borders and in south wales, and victoria, and the act and he seen in the number of covid—19 cases, this is going to be a big test for new zealand. staying in australia for a moment. throughout the pandemic its adopted tough border controls and prolonged lockdown measures to control covid. but with vaccination rates above 90%, it's changing its approach. in the past 2a hours, the prime minister scott morrison has ruled out new lockdowns to stem virus cases. and has this message. we've got to get past the heavy hand of government and we've got to treatise trillions like adults. and we all have our responsibilities and our communities and our health —— treat australians. if you do not get vaccinated, you're more likely to get the virus, get very serious illness from the virus and to die from the virus. there's lots we don't know about omicron. early information suggests it's more infectious than other variants —— early information also shows its possibly more milder —— although scientists are urging caution on that. here w—h—o spokesperson, dr margaret harris. well, this is one of the critical things in this important for decision—makers. what is happening in your hospitals. you do have the advantage the of highly vaccinated population and we know the vaccines are holding up against the severe disease and preventing deaths. we know they're prevented 400,000 deaths in europe and the last year. but, if your hospital, if you have huge numbers of people infected and if you have a severe end of the disease, translates to a large number of people and so, it is to watch what is happening in your hospitals. doctor raahib ali is an epidemiologist from cambridge university and is also a nhs consultant.he joins me from high wycombe in england. did not add for the restrictions of the stare? , ,, the stage? good evening. i think, liven the the stage? good evening. i think, given the large — the stage? good evening. i think, given the large amount _ the stage? good evening. i think, given the large amount of - given the large amount of uncertainty that there is about the key metric that we need to know is the hospitalisation rate for omicron given that it is still very uncertain. i think it won't be longer to be of the date of this week and so, will have much better idea of what is going to be of the coming weeks and months and i will allow us to gauge the policy response accordingly. band allow us to gauge the policy response accordingly. and what you make of the — response accordingly. and what you make of the case _ response accordingly. and what you make of the case rates _ response accordingly. and what you make of the case rates we - response accordingly. and what you make of the case rates we are - response accordingly. and what you | make of the case rates we are seeing after shifting gear of the end of last week, we have seen three or four days in a row with relatively similar totals, should be read into that? ~ ., similar totals, should be read into that? . ., ., , similar totals, should be read into that? ~ . . , ., similar totals, should be read into that? . . . , ., ., that? what we are seeing and at the time of the delta _ that? what we are seeing and at the time of the delta wave _ that? what we are seeing and at the time of the delta wave is _ that? what we are seeing and at the time of the delta wave is that - time of the delta wave is that voluntary changes to peoples behaviour and the number of contacts, not attending christmas parties or those parties being cancelled. and hate in impact on how covid—19 could spread and we have seen this before. the rates were not going to continue doubling every two days because that's not the way pandemics work. we don't know if the slowdown is going to be sustained, but it is encouraging that it is certainly decreased we appear to be approaching this but it is still early days. qt approaching this but it is still early days-— approaching this but it is still earl da s. ., ' early days. of all the different data points- — early days. of all the different data points. that _ early days. of all the different data points. that you're - early days. of all the different i data points. that you're looking early days. of all the different - data points. that you're looking for the next few days, it's the percentage of cases in hospital, is that correct?— percentage of cases in hospital, is that correct? that is to key metrics and is one — that correct? that is to key metrics and is one of— that correct? that is to key metrics and is one of them. _ that correct? that is to key metrics and is one of them. and _ that correct? that is to key metrics and is one of them. and the - that correct? that is to key metrics and is one of them. and the otherl that correct? that is to key metricsl and is one of them. and the other is the peak of cases and given we are now seeing, people over a week ago. seeing the hospitalisation rate would tell us with the peak number of hospitalisations will be in a week's time and that will allow us given how much pressure we are going to be under and so, with the models we have seen from our colleagues, the data that we have so far is likely to be more optimistic at the end of the scenarios that could play a significant pressure on the nhs. given we are more optimistic end of scenarios. what you make of the head of the who using very stark language about the holiday season and whether or not people should socialise any great extent?— great extent? every country situation — great extent? every country situation is _ great extent? every country situation is different - great extent? every country situation is different and - great extent? every country situation is different and in | great extent? every country i situation is different and in the great extent? every country - situation is different and in the uk we have the benefit of extremely high levels of population immunity. probably the highest in europe. over 85% have antibodies in over 80% of those groups that had three doses and over 90% of had two doses. so, each country needs to make decisions based on their own situations. this holiday period is important that people be careful. we should not be living in fear in the uk much better than last year because this high vaccination rates. at the same time, their outlines and we are all familiar with that in terms of wearing masks and indoors. washing hands, maintaining good ventilation and the good thing we have this year of the lateral flow tests. so, you should take lateral flow tests i would advise doing that before attending a large indoor gathering or meeting anyone with high and with that gathering, it is very helpful to reduce the risk of passing on omicron is symptomatically. we have symptoms, you should have completed the seven days lateral flow tests and the pcr test to confirm whether or not is covid—19. can and the pcr test to confirm whether or not is covid-19.— or not is covid-19. can ask you one less thing. — or not is covid-19. can ask you one less thing, you're _ or not is covid-19. can ask you one less thing, you're being _ or not is covid-19. can ask you one less thing, you're being clear - or not is covid-19. can ask you one less thing, you're being clear that. less thing, you're being clear that we need to wait on clearer data on omicron and you are clear that given that, it is appropriate to not bring in restrictions yet. but why would you not advocate bringing in simply in case the data is that the more pessimistic end of the scale. taking the risk of delaying that by a week? restrictions can have harms as well and throughout this pandemic, what we are trying to do is reduce the overall harms notjust the harms from covid—19 but from the response to it. i have to interrupt. president biden hasjust begun to it. i have to interrupt. president biden has just begun a television address related to omicron, let us listen to what is being said. omicron, let us listen to what is being said-— omicron, let us listen to what is bein: said. ., " , ., being said. covid-19 cases. i want to start by — being said. covid-19 cases. i want to start by acknowledging - being said. covid-19 cases. i want to start by acknowledging how - being said. covid-19 cases. i want i to start by acknowledging how tired, worried and frustrated i know you are. i know how you're feeling and for many of you, this would be the third and the second christmas, being an empty kitchen chair there. and tens of millions of gotten sick. we have all experienced upheaval in our lives. a while covid—19 has been a tough adversary, we have shown that we are tougher. tougher because we have the power of science and vaccines that prevent illness and save lives. and tougher because of our resolve and let me answer some questions. these lay of the steps of the vice president and i are taking to prepare for the rising number of cases and experts tell us that we can expect this in the weeks ahead. first, how concerned should she be about omicron, which is not the dominant variant in this country. it happened so quickly. the answer is straightforward. if you are not fully vaccinated, you have good reason to be concerned. you're at a high risk of getting sick and as you get sick, you are likely to spread it to others, including friends and family. in the unvaccinated have a higher rate of ending up in hospital, or even dying. and almost everyone who has died from covid—19 in the past many months has been unvaccinated. unvaccinated. among the majority of americans were fully vaccinated, and especially if you haven't gotten the third shot, you haven't gotten the third shot, you have much less reason to worry. , you have a high degree of protection against severe illness because omicron spread so easily, we will see some fully vaccinated people get covid—19. potentially in large numbers, but positive cases, even here in the white house among the vaccinated, among the vaccinated, from omicron. these cases are highly unlikely to lead to serious illness. vaccinated people get covid—19, they may get ill, but they are protected from severe illness and death. that is why you should still remain vigilant. according to her doctors, evenif vigilant. according to her doctors, even if you're fully vaccinated, you should wear a mask. when indoor public settings. wearing a mask provides extra protections for review and those around you. added some americans are wondering that if you can safely celebrate the holidays with your family and friends. the answer is yes you can. view and those who celebrate with our vaccinated. particularly if you've gotten your booster shots. if you've gotten your booster shots. if you our vaccinated and follow the precautions we all know well, you should be comfortable celebrating christmas as you planned it. you've done the right thing. you can enjoy the holiday season. and thanks to the holiday season. and thanks to the progress on vaccinations this fall, we have gone for nearly 90 million adults who would not even started the vaccination process and to nearly 40 million today. still too many about 90 to 40. all of these people have not been vaccinated, you have an obligation to your family who quite frankly, i don't get criticised for this, but don't get criticised for this, but do your country, get vaccinated now. it's free. it's convenient. and i promise you it saves lives. in a honest to god believe it is your patriotic duty. another question folks are asking is, what can you do to make yourself and your family feel safer and be safe or? the answer is simple. did your booster shot. wear a mask. our doctors have made it clear the booster shots provide the strongest of protections and unfortunately, we still have tens of millions of people who are eligible for the booster shot who have not yet gone it, got the first two shots, but i'm not gone the booster. folks, the booster shots of free and widely available. over 60 million americans, including 62% of eligible seniors, our most vulnerable group have gone there booster shots. vulnerable group have gone there boostershots. i vulnerable group have gone there booster shots. i got my booster shot as soon as they were available. in just the other day, former president donald trump and nancy got his. maybe one of the few things that he and i agree on. people with booster shots are highly protected. join them. join us. it's been six months or more since my second shot. it's been six months or more for your second shots when i got my booster shot, you get yours today, six months or more since your second shot. another shot of the folks are asking, is are we going back to march 2020. not this last march 2021, by march 2020 with the pandemic for his head. that is what i keep getting asked. the answer is absolutely no. no. there are three big differences between then and now. one, number one, first one. more than 200 million americans have been fully vaccinated. in march, 2020, no one was fully vaccinated. what that means is today, with cases of covid—19 for fully vaccinated and boosted persons, will most likely be no symptoms are mild one similar to the common respiratory virus. over 200 million americans should have the peace of mind that they did not have in march of 2020. they are protected from hospitalisations and protected from hospitalisations and protected from hospitalisations and protected from death. second point. we have prepared for what is coming. in march of 2020, we were not ready. today, we stockpiled enough masks and ventilators to deal with the search of hospitalisations among the unvaccinated. today, we are ready. and as i will explain in a few minutes, we're going to be reinforcing their hospitals, helping them. numberthree, we reinforcing their hospitals, helping them. number three, we know a lot more today than we did back in march of 2020. for example. last year, we thought the only way to keep your children safe was to close our schools. today, we know more and more resources to keep the schools open. we can get five to 11—year—olds vaccinated. which is what we didn't have until last month. today, we don't have to shut down schools because of the case of covid—19. now the student test positive, other students can take the test and stay in the classroom if they are not infected, rather than closed on the whole school and having the quarantine. we can keep our schools open and that is exactly what we should be doing. and so, let me summarise. we should all be concerned about omicron, but not panic. if you are fully vaccinated and especially if you have your booster shot, you are highly protected. if you're unvaccinated, you are at a higher risk of getting severely ill from covid—19, getting hospitalised and even dying. so, the best thing to do is to get fully vaccinated and get your booster shot. and no, this is not march of 2020. too people are fully vaccinated. we are prepared. we know more. wejust have vaccinated. we are prepared. we know more. we just have to stay focused. so, that is where we stand. and let me tell you about the additional steps i am ordering today to take on what is coming. i know you've heard a lot of this in the news already. three weeks ago, i laid out a covid—19 action plan for this winter. and prepared us for this moment. today, we are making a plan even stronger. first, we are setting up even stronger. first, we are setting up a vaccination of booster efforts. we are stepping it up significantly. in the past two weeks, we have seen the highest vaccination rates since last spring. and we are not as vaccinated as a country as we should be. that is why we have added 10,000 new vaccination sites on top of the 80,000 sites that are already in place. and even more will open in january. there are some parts of this country where people are very eager to get there booster. it is hard to get an appointment, excuse me. starting this week, i will be deploying hundreds of more vaccinated us and more sites to help get the booster shots and peoples arms. i have ordered fema to stand up arms. i have ordered fema to stand up new pop—up vaccination clinics all across the country where you can get that booster shot. we have open fema vaccinations centres and washington state and into mexico. recently as cases of increase. and today, i'm directing fema possible stand of new sites where there is a high demand. these steps are going to help us add more and more booster appointments within the next few weeks. i also want to say a word to the parents. if your children are not vaccinated, please give them vaccinated. if your parent of this family that waited and wanted to see how the first shots went with the other kids before getting your own can vaccinated. you can stop waiting. 6 million children in our country ages five to 11 are vaccinated. get your children protected today. now. and for those parents out there who have a child thatis parents out there who have a child that is too young to be vaccinated, it is under the age of five. i know this can still be a scary time. but one thing, one thing you can and must do, while we have vaccines for children underfive, get must do, while we have vaccines for children under five, get yourself fully vaccinated and boosted. as well as those around you. your children, your caregivers, your siblings. it is critical to mask up in public indoor places. we know that her youngest children have only just been impacted by serious covid—19 cases. but they can be further protected if they are surrounded by vaccinated people. and to the folks that are not vaccinated, you might think you are putting on yourself at risk. but it's your choice. your choice is not just the choice about you, it affects other people. you're putting other people at risk who loved ones, your friends, other people at risk who loved ones, yourfriends, your neighbours, your friends, your neighbours, strange yourfriends, your neighbours, strange is that you run into. he choice to be the difference between life and death. it may be deadlier than the ones that have come before it. let me say again and again, please get vaccinated. it is the only responsible thing to do. those were not vaccinated are causing hospitals to overrun again. and i've spoken to the governor of new york. every covid—19 hospital needs someone with a heart attack, cancer and other illnesses may not get that bed and the life—saving care that they need in the hospital. let me give it to you straight again. omicron is serious, potentially deadly business for unvaccinated people. let me be clear. thanks to our scientific community, americans were the first countries to get the vaccine. thanks to my administration and the hard work of americans, we let a roll—out make america one of the world leaders and getting shots in arms. but uptake slowed the summer as vaccine resistance hardened. the unvaccinated responsible for their own choices. but those choices have been fuelled by dangerous misinformation on cable tv and social media. these companies and personalities are making money by peddling lies in the long misinformation that could cure their own customers and their own supporters. it is wrong. it is a moral. i call on the purveyors of these lies and misinformation is to stop it. stop it now. one of the other things that we know that has to be done is more testing. as omicron spreads easily, especially among the unvaccinated. it is critical that we know who is infected. that means we need more testing and we are now where we should be. yes, we have more free testing sites. yes, we have the production act that since $3 billion to greatly expand the number of tests available for those online and local pharmacies. and yes, we make sure insurance coverings covers the testing. but starting next month, right insurance will also cover —— private insurance. so you can order a test online and get reimbursed. or providing access to free test to those who may have insurance as well, may not have insurances as well. but it is not enough. we have to do more. we have to do better and we will. starting this week with the federal government setting up emergency testing sites and capacities. before christmas, for the several testing sites will be running up in new york city with many more to come. this free testing is going to reduce the waiting lines, the time you have to stand there and sometimes it's an hour more and we have to continue to add federal testing sites where needed. so, if you want an immediate test, there will be a place we can go and get it. we also need to do better with it at home testing. so i am announcing today that the federal government will purchase one half billion, not in million, billion, and additional at—home rapid tests with deliveries starting injanuary. and we will be giving these tests to americans for free. and we will be giving these tests to americans forfree. in and we will be giving these tests to americans for free. in sites where there will be delivered to their home. we will arrange for it to be easierfor them to find home. we will arrange for it to be easier for them to find free covid—19 testing sites near you on google. just enter covid—19 tests near me. in the google search bar you can find a number of different locations nearby we can get tested. and we will continue to use this production act as we did earlier this month to make sure that we are producing as many as possible. the bottom line is that it's a lot better than it was and we are taking even more steps to make it easier to get tested and get tested for free. next, we are preparing hospitals for what is coming. and those unvaccinated adults have a good chance of getting covid—19 and some of you will get very sick. and that will mean hospitals are going to get extremely stressed, extremely stressed again. over the equipment, for personnel to care for those who get sick. and that is why in my administrations, stockpiled and pre—position millions of gallons, gloves, masks and ventilators. we are ready to send them immediately to any state that needs more. in addition, i have talked to the pentagon to send 1000 troops to defend and expand capacity. that is 1000 military doctors, nurses and medics. we have already started moving medical teams. they have already landed in wisconsin and indiana this week. this is on top with 300 medical personnel on the ground. having been deployed since we learned about omicron. look, while we know staffing is the biggest need for hospitals, some may need more beds as well. we are prepared and i have directed fema to activate the response centre to deploy teams now to provide additional hospital beds and we have began to conduct hospitals near parking garages and nearby buildings to be ready if needed. in the federal governments paying for all of this. period. further, fema will deploy ems crews so that if one hospital fills up, deploy ems crews so that if one hospitalfills up, we can deploy ems crews so that if one hospital fills up, we can transport patients to beds elsewhere. this week, we will send dozens of ambulances to new york to maine because covid—19 is spreading rapidly. to help transport patients. we are watching a statement from joe biden on the pandemic. irate we are watching a statement from joe biden on the pandemic.— biden on the pandemic. we will have their backs and _ biden on the pandemic. we will have their backs and let _ biden on the pandemic. we will have their backs and let them _ biden on the pandemic. we will have their backs and let them know- biden on the pandemic. we will have their backs and let them know that i their backs and let them know that we have their backs. finally, we are making sure the covid—19 no longer closes businesses and schools. last week, ourfederal court closes businesses and schools. last week, our federal court reinstated my administrations vaccination tests. vaccination tests pools from businesses of more than 100 employees. they are required employers with a hundred or more to protect workers on site and endorse with the requirement that they be vaccinated or tested each week, or go home. these rules will help keep workers safe and keep businesses open. people vaccinated are much less likely to spread it to others. customers are much more likely to come in and shot because they know it's a safe environment. i know vaccination but chemical requirements are unpopular for many. they're not even popular with people who are anxious to get them. my menstruation has put them in place not to control your life, but to save your life, and the lives of others. 400,000 americans died of covid this calendar year. almost all were unvaccinated, almost all were preventable. this will save thousands of american lives. we must also keep our k—12 schools open. the science is clear and overwhelming — we know how to keep our kids safe from covid—19 in school. k—12 schools should be open, and safety is increased if schools require all adults who work in the schools to get vaccinated and take the safety measures that the cdc has recommended, including masking. i got congress to pass billions of dollars in school improvements, ventilation and social distances. schools should be safer than ever from covid—19. and just friday, the cdc issued a test to stay guideline — so schools can stay open and kids can stay in class even if a classmate tests positive. covid—19 is scary, but the science is clear — children are as safe and schools as they are any other place. assuming precautions have been taken and they've already been funded. let me close with this. i know you're tired — i really mean this, i know you're frustrated. we all want this to be over. this is a critical moment. we also have more tools than we've ever had before. we will get through this. as we head into the holidays, i want us all to keep the faith. i want to sincerely thank you for your perseverance, your courage, your countless acts of kindness, love and sacrifice during these last two years. throughout our history, we've tested people as a nation through war and turmoil. i asked that we be safe, that we be ok, and we can get back to who we are. we've always endured because there is no challenge too big for america. i mean this from the bottom of my heart, no challenge. we've come through this stronger because we stayed together, as the united states of america. that's what we have to keep doing today. we can do this together, i guarantee you. may god bless you all and may god protect our troops. and happy holidays, i love you all. thank you. on testing, you said we have to do better. public health officials have been saying for months that you need to search _ been saying for months that you need to search rapid tests forjust this moment — to search rapid tests forjust this moment. it is a failure that you don't _ moment. it is a failure that you don't have _ moment. it is a failure that you don't have an adequate amount of tests_ don't have an adequate amount of tests for— don't have an adequate amount of tests for everyone to get one if they— tests for everyone to get one if they need _ tests for everyone to get one if they need one right now? no, it's not, they need one right now? no, it's not. because _ they need one right now? no, it's not, because covid _ they need one right now? no, it's not, because covid is _ they need one right now? no, it's not, because covid is spreading i they need one right now? no, it's| not, because covid is spreading so rapidly, if you notice, just almost overnight, in the last month. let me answer first. overnight, in the last month. let me answerfirst— answer first. laughter. so no, answer first. laughter. so no. it— answer first. laughter. so no, it is— answer first. laughter. so no, it is not— answer first. laughter. so no, it is not a - answer first. laughter. so no, it is not a failure. j answerfirst. laughter. - so no, it is not a failure. but i don't think anybody anticipated that this would be as rapidly spreading as it did. so the question is, we have a lot of people who had access to tests, who could have their insurance pay for them, etc. but all of a sudden, it was like everybody rushed to the counter. it was a big, big rush. and i knew that was coming, so i tried to do was meet with the companies and use the defence production act to get 500 million more tests and get them to more homes and on the shelves. so that's what it's all about. band more homes and on the shelves. so that's what it's all about.— that's what it's all about. and mr president. _ that's what it's all about. and mr president, what's _ that's what it's all about. and mr president, what's your _ that's what it's all about. and mr president, what's your tested - president, what's your tested americans— president, what's your tested americans are _ president, what's your tested americans are trying - president, what's your tested americans are trying to get i president, what's your tested - americans are trying to get tested now and _ americans are trying to get tested now and are — americans are trying to get tested now and are unable _ americans are trying to get tested now and are unable to— americans are trying to get tested now and are unable to get- americans are trying to get tested now and are unable to get tested, j now and are unable to get tested, and are _ now and are unable to get tested, and are wondering _ now and are unable to get tested, and are wondering what _ now and are unable to get tested, and are wondering what took- now and are unable to get tested, and are wondering what took so i now and are unable to get tested, i and are wondering what took so long to ramp _ and are wondering what took so long to ramp up _ and are wondering what took so long to ramp up testing? _ and are wondering what took so long to ramp up testing?— to ramp up testing? come on, what took so long? _ to ramp up testing? come on, what took so long? i'm _ to ramp up testing? come on, what took so long? i'm hearing _ to ramp up testing? come on, what took so long? i'm hearing that i to ramp up testing? come on, whatj took so long? i'm hearing that from --eole took so long? i'm hearing that from people who — took so long? i'm hearing that from people who are _ took so long? i'm hearing that from people who are trying _ took so long? i'm hearing that from people who are trying to _ took so long? i'm hearing that from people who are trying to get - took so long? i'm hearing that from people who are trying to get tested | people who are trying to get tested before _ people who are trying to get tested before the — people who are trying to get tested before the holidays. _ people who are trying to get tested before the holidays.— people who are trying to get tested before the holidays. well, what took so lona before the holidays. well, what took so long was — before the holidays. well, what took so long was that _ before the holidays. well, what took so long was that it _ before the holidays. well, what took so long was that it didn't _ before the holidays. well, what took so long was that it didn't take - so long was that it didn't take long at all. what happened was that the omicron virus spread even more rapidly than anybody thought. if i told you four weeks ago that this would spread on a day—to—day basis by 500%, | would spread on a day—to—day basis by 500%, i think would spread on a day—to—day basis by 500%, i think you would've looked at me and said, "biden, what are you drinking?" but that's what it did. we don't know what's going to happen here. there is some evidence that in south africa, where a lot of this started, it is dropping off quickly to. but we don't know. we had problems with masks and gowns, and the like — i got questions or if some of you, why are you still paying for all these masking gowns, why are you stockpiling? because we don't know, turns out we will need them. in the back. sir. don't know, turns out we will need them. in the back.— them. in the back. sir, will you reverse the _ them. in the back. sir, will you reverse the travel _ them. in the back. sir, will you reverse the travel ban - them. in the back. sir, will you reverse the travel ban here i them. in the back. sir, will you reverse the travel ban here in i them. in the back. sir, will you i reverse the travel ban here in the us? �* . ., , ., reverse the travel ban here in the us?�* , ., �* us? i'm considering a reversal, i'll talk to my — us? i'm considering a reversal, i'll talk to my team — us? i'm considering a reversal, i'll talk to my team in _ us? i'm considering a reversal, i'll talk to my team in the _ us? i'm considering a reversal, i'll talk to my team in the next - us? i'm considering a reversal, i'll talk to my team in the next couple j talk to my team in the next couple days. look, numberwhyi talk to my team in the next couple days. look, number why i said we put the travel ban on. it's to see how much time we had before it hit here so we could begin to decide what we needed by looking at what's happening in other countries. we are past that now, so it's something thatis past that now, so it's something that is being raised with me by the doctors now. i'll have an answer for that soon. mr doctors now. i'll have an answer for that soon. ~ , doctors now. i'll have an answer for that soon-— that soon. mr president, is the importance _ that soon. mr president, is the importance of— that soon. mr president, is the importance of keeping - that soon. mr president, is the importance of keeping your i that soon. mr president, is the i importance of keeping your trust. .. importance of keeping your trust... how do _ importance of keeping your trust... how do you — importance of keeping your trust... how do you rebuild _ importance of keeping your trust... how do you rebuild trust _ importance of keeping your trust... how do you rebuild trust with - how do you rebuild trust with progressives _ how do you rebuild trust with progressives in _ how do you rebuild trust with progressives in your- how do you rebuild trust with progressives in your party- how do you rebuild trust with progressives in your party to i how do you rebuild trust with i progressives in your party to pass legislation? — progressives in your party to pass legislation?— legislation? before i told you, ou've legislation? before i told you, you've heard _ legislation? before i told you, you've heard me _ legislation? before i told you, you've heard me say - legislation? before i told you, you've heard me say this i legislation? before i told you, i you've heard me say this before, some people think maybe i'm not irish because i don't hold a grudge. look, i want to get things done, i still think there's a possibility to get bill back better done. but i don't want to do is get into it. joe went on tv today — whether it was tv or not — he said, "joe biden didn't mislead you, i misled you." let me say something. you saw what happened yesterday. all the talk about how my bill back better was going to increase inflation, because these debts and all the like. what happened to? goldman sachs said if we don't pass bill back better, we are in trouble because it'll grow the economy, and without it we won't grow —— build back better. what happened to? stock prices went way down, it took a real dip. everybody thinks because i quoted 17 nobel laureates, saying this would help inflation — think about it in terms of your a hard—working person and you're making $60,000, or you're making $80,000, like a lot of people do, and you're worried about inflation — you should be, because it's devastating for working class, middle class folks. it really hurts. whereas most of the cost now? the costis whereas most of the cost now? the cost is in gasoline, even though i was able to bring it down 12 cents a gallon and even more. we talked about the cost in food prices going up, etc. but look what's in build back better — child care, you can reduce it by up to 70%, helping women out of the workforce to go back if you pass it. we're talking about health care, insulin. we've got 200,000 kids who take —— with type one diabetes. it cost between 10 cents and $10 to come up with a formula, it a while ago. you know what it costs on average? $560 a month, up to $1000 a month. what do you do if you're a mum and a dad working minimum wage, busting your neckis working minimum wage, busting your neck is make you look at your kid and you know that if you don't get the vaccine soon, get that drug for it, what happens? will go into a coma and maybe die. i don't want to put kids's lives at stake. you strip away all the dignity of a parent. looking at their child — i'm not certain about this, imagine being a parent, looking at a child and you can't afford, you have no house to borrow against, you have no savings. it's wrong. but all the things in that bill will reduce prices for middle—class and working—class people. it'll reduce their costs. what's inflation? having to pay more than the money you have because things have gone up. ringing down those costs all across the board, from childcare to the childcare tax credit. i'm not supposed to be having this press conference right now. mr having this press conference right now. ~ , ,, ., ., . ., now. mr president, did senatorjoe manchin break _ now. mr president, did senatorjoe manchin break his _ now. mr president, did senatorjoe manchin break his promise - now. mr president, did senatorjoe manchin break his promise to i now. mr president, did senatorjoe manchin break his promise to you | manchin break his promise to you when _ manchin break his promise to you when you — manchin break his promise to you when you announce the framework, you said that _ when you announce the framework, you said that all _ when you announce the framework, you said that all 50 senators were believed _ said that all 50 senators were believed to be behind it, albeit democratic senators. did senatorjoe manchin— democratic senators. did senatorjoe manchin break his promise to you? senator— manchin break his promise to you? senatorjoe — manchin break his promise to you? senatorjoe manchin i will get something done. thank you. he said he wasn't supposed _ something done. thank you. he said he wasn't supposed to _ something done. thank you. he said he wasn't supposed to be _ something done. thank you. he said he wasn't supposed to be doing i something done. thank you. he said he wasn't supposed to be doing a i he wasn't supposed to be doing a press conference, but that's what happened for five having ten minutes. before there was an extensive address talking about the state of the pandemic, particularly how america is responding to the omicron variant. aleem maqbool is in washington. as expected, we heard about the seriousness of this current surge because of stomach of the variant was only named a month ago, and now constitutes around three quarters of new cases in the us. and we heard that there were a quarter of a million new cases just yesterday. so we heard a lot about the seriousness of the surge. as expected, we didn't hear about new lockdowns, new shutdowns, at least federally mandated ones. but we heard an awful lot about vaccination — really putting the onus on the individual to go get vaccinated. and if anything, a lot of the criticism of this administration has been that lettera, it this administration has been that letter a, it hasn't done a good enoughjob in persuading those who are not vaccinated, and in that president's estimate that we heard there, under40 president's estimate that we heard there, under 40 million people, independent estimates say 50-60,000,000 independent estimates say 50—60,000,000 americans are still not vaccinated. so the criticism is that he hasn't only not done a good enoughjob of getting that he hasn't only not done a good enough job of getting them vaccinated, but also he is focused on vaccination, preaching about vaccination and not doing enough about testing. now we heard here that he announced that from january, people will be able to get free at home testing. but until now, the us is not subsidised at home testing at all. it has been very difficult for people in many parts of this country to be able to get testing when they need it, and a lot of critics said that had to be part of the white house plan from the beginning, and it hasn't been enough. now we are hearing joe biden talk about new p°p�*up hearing joe biden talk about new pop—up testing sites opening up, starting in new york, but in other parts of the country. you heard there from the questioning afterwards, there is a sense this is all coming too late. he said this was all a surprise, that's what we heard from him a few moments ago, that it was a surprise how quickly omicron took hold in this country. but really, his own infectious disease experts, his own advisers have been saying for months that whether it was omicron or not, there would be a winter surge. so there is the sense that really, this administration should have done more about testing earlier. brute administration should have done more about testing earlier.— about testing earlier. we talked about testing earlier. we talked about testing — about testing earlier. we talked about testing and _ about testing earlier. we talked about testing and vaccination, l about testing earlier. we talked i about testing and vaccination, i'm sure you've seen here in the uk, borisjohnson has confirmed there'll be no further restrictions in england between now and christmas. what's the situation with restrictions in the us as people go into christmas there?— into christmas there? well, as i said and as _ into christmas there? well, as i said and as you _ into christmas there? well, as i said and as you heard, - into christmas there? well, as i said and as you heard, there i into christmas there? well, as i | said and as you heard, there are into christmas there? well, as i i said and as you heard, there are no further lockdowns being talked about, no shutdowns, and there are no further travel restrictions. in fact, you heard joe biden say if you do the right things, you can enjoy your christmas with the family. and it is expected that over the next few days, 109 million people in the us will travel more than 50 miles from their home, around 6 million biplane — that is double the figure last year — and we are already seeing the saturation of travel in airports. the feeling is that should have been talked about weeks ago, where testing should have been more readily available because that is one of the key components to ensuring the rest of your family is safe, being able to test readily before you can travel. and that is a complaint from a a lot of americans that, while there are no restrictions, that would be fine if there was testing readily available. and there just isn't.— there was testing readily available. and there just isn't. and there 'ust isn't. thank you very much. stay with us on outside source — still to come... the high court in london orders the ruler of dubai to pay more than $700 million in a divorce settlement to his ex—wife — princess higher ofjordan. the largest—ever fossil of a giant millipede has been discovered by chance on a beach in northumberland, in england. scientist think the creature was more than two and a half metres long, and may have hunted other animals for food around 326 million years ago. dr neil davies from cambridge university made the discovery. it was discovered by chance. we were out on the beach, just looking around at the rocks for a bit of a geological holiday, and as the sun was setting we saw that there was a boulder that had fallen from the cliff face, split down the middle. and then, just looked inside and realised there was a big fossil there. so i went back the following morning and, yeah, we realise that it was a gigantic millipede in the middle of this rock. we knew there were these large millipedes around at the time, because they've left trackways and there are small fragments of these fossils. it's just very rare to find a whole one. so we didn't really believe what it was to begin with. so we took photos and sent them around various experts, and then realise that, yes, it is indeed to this giant millipede. so we got permission and went back and collected it later on in the year. this is outside source, live from the bbc newsroom. our lead story is... president biden has announced a major push to increase vaccination in the united states to combat the omicron variant. let's get the latest on coronavirus in the uk. scotland has cancelled the official hogmanany parade in edinburgh, but borisjohnson says there won't be any new restrictions coming into effect before christmas, in england. the uk reported 90,629 cases on tuesday. the prime minister tweeted... here's political correspondent jonathan blake on why restrictions aren't being imposed in england, yet. i think it's clear, ros, that they don't have enough data to convince, perhaps, the more sceptical ministers in cabinet. and certainly, a lot of deeply sceptical conservative mps that measures are necessary 110w. there are simply too many unknowns, it seems, says the prime minister in his video statements on social media this evening around the severity of the omicron variants — how many people will end up in hospital having been infected with that, and also the effectiveness of the booster jabs and vaccines in general against it. so at this point, given that it would take a couple of days to recall parliament to get mps to get the go—ahead to any measures proposed by the government and get them in place before christmas, it's really too late to act in any case, so we have confirmation this evening from the prime minister that in england, there will be no new restrictions put in place between now and then — but, as you said, he felt that the possibility that they may well have to be brought in after christmas. help me out on that possibility that restrictions could come in after christmas. they are huge amounts of speculation that that is coming down the track. before that happened, would the prime minister need to get all mps back into the house of commons? yes, ministers have given an undertaking that parliament would be to be recalled — and, as things stand, that would mean mps coming back to westminster in person. a possible hybrid or virtual sitting may be necessary, or may be judged to be appropriate by the government and by the authorities in parliament, but it would need that. and certainly, given the level of opposition there was to the most recent introduction of restrictions under plan b that the government felt necessary to bring in, i don't think it will be possible for borisjohnson to do this and ask mps to vote retrospectively as they have done previously in the pandemic. it will probably need to be rubber—stamped by mps before they came in. so whether that's over the christmas break or not, it would take a bit of time to get that done. scotland, meanwhile, has announced new restrictions — the hogmanay street party in edinburgh has been cancelled because of new limits on gatherings. from boxing day, there will be a 500—person limit on outdoor events. that also means no spectators at most football matches. there will be a 100—person limit on indoor events with a standing audience. and, from 27 december, pubs will be table—service only. first minister nicola sturgeon explained why they were focussed on large events. we know that the much higher transmissibility of omicron means large gatherings have the potential to become very rapid super—spreader events, putting large numbers at risk of getting infected very quickly. limiting these events helps reduce their risk of widespread transmission. it also cuts down the transmission risk associated with travel to and from such events. lorna gordon has been getting reaction to the new restrictions in glasgow. among those facing these changes, in just a few days' time, a mixture of weariness, resignation and acceptance. it's very difficult to know what the right thing to do is, but what we don't want to do is wait until we run out of hospital beds and then decide it's the right thing to do. two years down the line and nothings changed, so, yeah, pretty annoyed, but... nicola sturgeon said it remained a priority to reopen schools as normal after the holidays, and that one of the reasons for asking adults to make these sacrifices for a period after christmas is to minimise the impact on children's education. the aim is that 80% of those eligible will be fully vaccinated by the new year. the hope, that the booster will beat back the need for these restrictions to stay in place longer than the planned three weeks. back in westminster, the uk government has announced £1 billion in support for businesses — that's about $1.3 billion. it's targeting hospitality and leisure businesses hit by the rise in cases. here's the chancellor of the exchequer. if you look at the grants we are providing today, up to £6,000 for hospitality businesses, they are comparable in generosity to the grants that were provided when these businesses were fully closed, completely closed earlier this year. taken together, the steps we've announced today will help hundreds of thousands of hospitality businesses and the millions of people that they employ. as the chancellor said, the measures include grants of up to £6,000 per premises — cafes, cinemas and hotels are among the types of business that are eligible. the government is also helping some firms with the cost of sick pay. and there's an extra £30 million to help theatres and museums. here's the confederation of british industry which represent business. look, it will certainly provide some crucial breathing space for our pubs, cafes, restaurants, leisure as we head into these crucial winter months. i think, is that enough? no, that really depends on what happens from here. i think we have seen some direct grants, that was the mechanism that was used in previous lockdowns, and i think it's a recognition by government that what we have seen in recent days has felt like a lockdown by stealth for so many businesses out there, but i think if we do see more restrictions, we are going to need to see more support, but i think it has given some important breathing space and support to cash flow for some of the hardest hit businesses, but i don't think its job done yet. the philippines was hit by a typhoon last week, and rescuers are still reaching people who were cut off. these are the latest images. and as rescuers reach affected islands, they're discovering more people who didn't survive and villages that have been flattened. at least 375 people were killed in total. on the islands is shargo, in the south of the country. there is no power, no communications, and very little water. these images were sent to us by pepe djokno, a film—maker who was on the island when the typhoon hit — they show the moment he watches a wave crash into the house he was staying in. he spoke to us about it. honestly, it was terrifying. at around 8:45am, we saw a huge wave hit the house that we were staying at. we were at a house, a b&b that is on a cliff that's about 2—3 storeys high, about three metres from the ocean, so when we saw that big wave heads at 8:45am, we knew that 1—2pm would be the peak of the typhoon, so that wasn't the least event. we decided to evacuate to higher ground. the place that we evacuated to was a prefabricated garage, so we were not sure it would hold, thankfully it did. just to go back to the giant wave at 8:45am, we were really concerned because we were on an elevated area. the town where we were at is sea level, and we learned after when things calmed down, the seawall that was in the town had completely disappeared. so imagine the force of that wave, what it did to the nearby towns. a reminder of our top story. president biden has announced plans to step up the fight against the coronavirus in the united states. he stressed that the country was ready to do battle with the rapidly spreading omicron variant and that americans should be concerned but not panicked. speaking from the white house, he said there would be a significant increase in the vaccination effort in the us. 10,000 new vaccination sites would be opened. that finishes this edition of outside source, thanks for watching, i'll see you soon. all the best. good evening. the day has finished with a few more cloud breaks around than we had to start with, and as those cloud breaks become a bit more abundant tonight, just watch how the blue colours appear quite widely on the chart, an indication of a widespread frost developing across parts of wales, england and scotland. not quite so towards northern ireland, where the cloud will be thickening up later in the night. temperatures will lift, but we could see temperatures as low as —3 to —7 celsius a bit more widely as we go into the morning. still under the influence of the ridge of high pressure, but the breeze is picking up, it's helping to break up the cloud, and further west, we start to see the influence of the atlantic start to show its hand. and it will do more through the coming few days. but for wednesday, it begins with cloud, outbreaks of rain developing in northern ireland. they will be on and off through the day. sunny, frosty start elsewhere, but clouding over from the west, rain spreading in across central and southern scotland through the day, parts of northern and western england and wales, maybe even the odd heavier burst too, but many parts of the midlands, east anglia, the southeast and the far north of mainland scotland stay dry and bright through the day, but staying chilly here compared to the 8—10 celsius we will see in western areas. the mild air wins out, as we go from wednesday night into thursday, weather front pushes its way north. itjust fizzles out in situ, it could produce some snow for a time over the hills, but by the time we hit thursday morning, it will be a frost free start, and just note the temperatures in belfast and plymouth to begin the day, 11—12 celsius. much milder, much muggier than we've seen the recent days. now, another weather front is on its way in for thursday. that's set to bring rain erratically northwards and eastwards. the heaviest bursts likely to be across parts of scotland, particularly during the afternoon, but we will see some splashes of rain across parts of wales, central southern england, a bit more then we will see on wednesday. heavy rain for a time in northern ireland, a bit of brightness in between those two rain bands, you can see there, and brightening up to the southwest later. 13—14 celsius in the south. still a little bit cooler in the north, but widely a much milder day. but as we go into the night and into the start of christmas eve, dense fog then becomes an issue as the rain initially clears away. another batch of rain will come in on friday, but the fog could be a struggle for one or two to shift. the rain, again, following a similar sort of pattern to thursday, not quite as wet across scotland and the far north of england, but even here, there will be some light rain or drizzle, and it will be turning chillier at times. that colder air fights its way back as we go into christmas day. it doesn't look like, for many, it will be a white christmas, some rain in the south in the milder air, but it's crucial where that dividing line is, if it's a bit further southwards, then you can expect a bit more snow in the hills. president biden announced new measures of covid—19 infections that have been boosted by the new omicron variant. christiansen says they will be no new restrictions in england before christmas in the uk government announced a billion—dollar grant for the hospitality sector. large—scale events including new year's celebration in scotland have been cancelled. rescuers reaching islands in the philippines cut off by the supertype would have discovered and that been threatened. the number of people killed and has risen to 375.