(Recasts headline and lead)
LONDON, Dec 20 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris
Johnson said on Monday that he was looking at all kinds of
things to keep the Omicron variant under control as the
situation was extremely difficult, cautioning that further
restrictions might be needed.
"I have to say to the British public, and I say to
everybody, we will not exclude the possibility of going further
if we have to do things to protect the public," Johnson said
after a cabinet meeting.
"We will have to reserve the possibility of taking further
action to protect the public."
Asked about speculation that the government would ban indoor
socialising and limit tourism, Johnson said:
"I can certainly say we're looking at all kinds of things...
to keep Omicron under control and we will rule nothing out,"
Johnson said.
Johnson said the situation was "extremely difficult" and
that hospitalisations were rising steeply in London.
(Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge and Andrew MacAskill)