The local administrations of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have introduced new COVID-19 restrictions on Boxing Day despite new data showing the Omicron variant is much milder than previous strains. In Wales, a maximum of six people are allowed to meet in pubs, cinemas, and restaurants, and a total of 30 people are allowed at indoor events while 50 people will be allowed at outdoor events. Two metre social distancing is being required in public premises and offices, and nightclubs have been ordered to close. In Scotland, large events will require one metre physical distancing and will be limited to 100 people standing indoors, 200 people sitting indoors, and 500 people outdoors. Further restrictions will come into effect on Monday, including the closure of nightclubs. In Northern Ireland, indoor standing events are no longer permitted and nightclubs have been shut. The measures have been introduced despite new studies showing the …