LONDON (Reuters] – Sadiq Khan, London’s Mayor declared a “major event” Saturday in order to assist the capital’s hospitals with a spike in COVID-19 patients due to the rapidly spreading Omicron coronavirus variant.

Khan made the move, which allows closer coordination among different public agencies after Britain announced Friday that there was a 24 hour increase in new cases.

Khan stated that hospital admissions and absences of health workers are on the rise. “So, I have taken the decision today, after consulting with my partners, to declare major incidents.”

He stated, “This statement is about how serious things really are.”

Khan of the Labour Party declared another major incident on January 19, when increasing COVID-19 incidences threatened to overwhelm hospitals.

It is believed that the Omicron variant accounts for over 80% of all new COVID-19 case in London.

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, would chair an emergency conference with representatives from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland that was scheduled for the weekend. These devolved authorities have different powers regarding public health.

Sky News reported that ministers from the government were briefed about coronavirus data Saturday by Sky News.

According to The Times, officials are preparing new rules, which if adopted, will ban indoor mixing in England, except at work, for two weeks following Christmas. Pubs and restaurants can only serve outside food.

According to the newspaper, people could meet up to six outside in groups.

The Times stated that the ministers have yet to consider these plans.

A spokesperson from the government was asked to comment on The Times’ report. She said she would continue “to look closely at all of the emerging data” and that they will keep reviewing their measures as more information becomes available.

Johnson declared Friday, “We are not closing the doors to these things.”