British businesses have called for government support after a government scientific advisor called on people to reduce socialising during the Christmas season. The hospitality sector was rattled after Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, said at a Downing Street press briefing on Wednesday that people should consider cutting back socialising around Christmas due to the threat from the Omicron COVID-19 variant. At the same briefing, Prime Minister Boris Johnson stopped short of matching Whitty’s warning but urged people to “think carefully” before attending celebrations. But Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already given specific guidance to urge people to limit their socialising to three households around Christmas. Businesses have reacted by calling on the government to provide fresh support packages, without which they fear their existence will be threatened. British Chambers of Commerce president Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith said Whitty’s call “will almost certainly have an enormous impact for businesses.” …