The country, one of the most affected in Europe by the pandemic, recorded 137 additional deaths in 24 hours - to arrive at a total of 147,857 - but also 1,171 hospitalizations, marking an acceleration while this data, closely monitored, remained for the little changed hour.
Each nation in the UK is responsible for health matters.
So far, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have announced tougher restrictions which are due to go into effect after Christmas.
For England, Boris Johnson's government is procrastinating, relying in particular on studies showing a lower risk of hospitalization with the Omicron variant compared to the dominant Delta until recently.
The authorities fear, however, that despite a lower risk of severe form, the number of cases is so high that it puts insurmountable pressure on the hospital system.
Welcoming these studies as "a beacon of hope for Christmas", the director of the British health security agency Jenny Harries explained that the authorities were monitoring for their decisions the impact of the epidemic on hospitals but also on society as a whole and in particular on the workforce.
Covid-19: the Omicron variant in the United Kingdom AFP
In London, one in 20 people had Covid-19 a week ago, according to estimates.
Many sectors are now being hit hard, leading to business closures and transport cancellations.
© 2021 AFP