Responding to health and social care secretary Sajid Javid's update to the House of Commons on measures being taken due to the Omicron variant, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Chris Hopson said:

"Trust leaders will welcome the restrictions being put in place, including curbs on travel and mandatory masks in shops and public transport, as well as how quickly these measures are being enforced.

"The emergence of this variant has come at a time that the NHS is under great pressure, and while we are heading towards what is expected to be an extremely difficult winter.

"The vaccination programme has been a great success so far. While it will be a huge, logistical challenge to expand and accelerate the programme, the NHS has shown repeatedly it can adapt quickly to keep people safe from the virus.

"The government must continue to make decisions based on the scientific evidence, and be ready to put in place tougher restrictions if and when necessary. This will be absolutely critical in the coming weeks.

"In the meantime, it is important that we all continue to play our part in containing COVID-19, by taking up vaccinations when offered, following rules on self-isolation, using lateral flow tests, and wearing a mask, especially in crowded and indoor spaces, as well as ventilating rooms."