LONDON, (Reuters) – Shoppers on Britain’s main streets dropped 2.6% between the weekend of Dec. 18-19 and the weekend before because the Omicron virus which is highly contagious kept them away. Springboard reported Monday.

The report stated that shoppers, also known as footfall, declined by 8.5% in London and 6.4% elsewhere in the country.

Springboard found that smaller shopping centres, retail centers and market towns had better foot traffic, with the respective figures of 3.4%, 0.5%, and 4.7%.

On Nov. 25, Britain expressed its first concern over the Omicron variation. Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of England, imposed stricter COVID-19 regulations in England two weeks later. He ordered people to stay at home and wear masks when in public. To slow spread, he also required certificates of vaccination.

Springboard reports that the total number of shoppers in the week ended Dec. 18, which is known as one of the most important shopping weeks of year, was 5.5% more than the previous week.

While the gap between 2019 and 2020 was 19.1%, footfall was still 22.5% higher than 2020 after many shops closed in general lockdown.

Springboard insights director Diane Wehrle stated that “footfall” decreased due to consumers’ growing anxiety. Friday’s footfall increase was only a quarter that of Wednesday.

“This was an indicator of subdued performances of bricks-and-mortar stores and destinations during the weekend. This weekend is regarded by many as the highest shopping weekend of year.

Friday’s official data showed that British retail sales increased faster than anticipated last month due to Black Friday discount, Christmas shopping early and no lockdown restrictions. Many shops were closed last year.

Omicron however has raised concerns about a weak end to the year.

Currys, a consumer electronics retailer, said last week that its market was softening and Boohoo, an online fashion retailer warned about annual profits.