Britons have been urged to “keep calm and carry on with your Christmas plans” despite fears over the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Conservative Party chairman Oliver Dowden told Sky News that people should continue to go to the pub and dine at restaurants during the festive season, as he said the government had taken “sufficient” action against Omicron so far.

“The message to people is fairly straightforward, which is keep calm, carry on with your Christmas plans,” Mr Dowden said.

“We’ve put the necessary restrictions in place but beyond that, keep calm and carry on.”

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Recent days have seen mixed messages from government ministers over what festive celebrations, including Christmas parties, should look like this year.

But Mr Dowden echoed Prime Minister Boris Johnson in stating that people shouldn’t abandon their existing plans.

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“We have not changed the advice around people taking part in hospitality – so going to the pub, going to restaurants and so on,” he added.

“And actually I think most pubs and restaurants up until very recently have been doing very well during this season and we’re not discouraging people to do so.”

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