LISBON: European leaders are reinstating coronavirus restrictions as the new Omicron variant continues to spread through the continent, BBC has reported.

Nations including Germany and Portugal have announced post-Christmas curbs and greater social distancing measures, it said.

Omicron is already the dominant strain in many European countries.

The surge will push health systems towards the brink of collapse, the World Health Organization’s top official in the continent has warned.

Hans Kluge said “another storm” was coming and governments should brace for significant increases in cases.

Germany announced that from 28 December, limits will return that restrict private gatherings to 10 people and nightclubs will close. Football matches from that date will also be played behind closed doors.

“Coronavirus doesn’t take a Christmas break,” Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Tuesday.

“We cannot – and must not – close our eyes to this next wave which is beginning to loom over us,” he added.

(With inputs from BBC)