We are in a battle against the biggest wave of coronavirus infection we have ever seen.

But despite record infections, the Prime Minister is holding off from tightening restrictions, recognising the economic and mental turmoil this could bring.

Instead, Boris Johnson has said the country needs to “ride the wave out” but recognised that it means the NHS faces a “challenging” few weeks.

Omicron is less serious for most people than previous Covid variants, and it does look like the initial hotspot of London is seeing a reverse in fortunes, whether through natural immunity developing or vaccination.

Read more: Covid: Hospital trust says it hasn't had to declare critical incident 'yet'

But it’s clear that Omicron is sending some patients into hospital and the NHS is struggling with staff off sick.

And we are beginning to hear that non-Covid related care is being postponed as a result.

England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty presented slides at a Downing Street briefing this week that showed that 90 per cent of Covid patients nationwide in intensive care are not boosted, with 60 per cent unvaccinated, showing the importance of getting the booster.

Read more: Watford General Hospital suspends visitors due to rising Covid cases

The NHS, local authorities and volunteers are continuing to provide easy ways of getting vaccinated but to minimise the pressure on our hospitals and health services, it is also important we do the basics like wearing face coverings, minimising close contact where possible, and ensuring rooms are well ventilated.