Monday’s papers are again dominated by Omicron and its threat over the Christmas period, after the variant became dominant in Ireland during the weekend.
The Irish Times reports that experts have warned the Government should prepare a “plan B” of tighter Covid-19 restrictions before Christmas, to prevent hospitals being overrun amid fears of an approaching surge in cases.
On a different topic, an investigation from the Irish Examiner has uncovered online ads offering properties in return for sexual favours in Limerick and Dublin, with landlords offering free or reduced-cost rooms in exchange for sex as the housing crisis bites.
Returning to Covid-19, the Echo leads with strong demand for booster vaccines in Cork, with a queue for the jabs starting to build at Cork City Hall before sunrise at the weekend.
The Irish Daily Star meanwhile leads with an arrest following a road traffic collision.
Monday’s edition includes super soccer pullout pic.twitter.com/OuiT0um1RL
— Irish Daily Star (@IsFearrAnStar) December 20, 2021
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In Northern Ireland, the Belfast Telegraph also focuses on the approaching impact of the Omicron variant, with restrictions "a step closer".
Morning readers! Stay with @beltel for all your breaking news. Here's a look at the front page of the Belfast Telegraph this morning:https://t.co/ZFlfbJQwqj pic.twitter.com/uwaQoGfapf
— Belfast Telegraph (@BelTel) December 20, 2021
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In Britain, the papers also lead with the Omicron variant, as Boris Johnson and his Cabinet weigh up the possibility of imposing restrictions.
The Times reports that the British Cabinet is split over scientific advisers’ call for new Covid-19 restrictions ahead of Christmas.
TIMES: @RishiSunak resists new Covid restrictions before Christmas #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/A5l0Yn9z3V
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) December 19, 2021
Metro and i run with the latest on Omicron and its impact on travel restrictions and Christmas.
Monday's front page:
IT'S ALL LOOKING A BIT OMINOUS#tomorrowspaperstoday #BBCPapers #skypapers pic.twitter.com/tMCywcM21k— Metro US (@MetroUS) December 19, 2021
Monday's front page: Christmas restrictions hang in the balance
By @singharj: https://t.co/1rHL05OSUf #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/bhnTbDVTBp— i newspaper (@theipaper) December 19, 2021
The Financial Times leads with the travel restrictions which are being imposed across Europe in response to the Omicron outbreak.
Just published: front page of the Financial Times UK edition Monday December 20 https://t.co/ptMHWsy92O pic.twitter.com/HDUrXyNe1o
— Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) December 19, 2021
The Telegraph, The Independent, the Daily Express and the Daily Mirror also carry the latest on Omicron and its threat to Christmas celebrations as ministers weigh up the possibility of imposing new restrictions.
The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:
'PM looks at plea to limit mixing at Christmas'#TomorrowsPapersToday
Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/0LewcD0hZq— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) December 19, 2021
INDEPENDENT: Tighter Covid rules could be in place by Christmas #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/DIZUMYNdpA
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) December 19, 2021
EXPRESS: ‘No Guarantees’ of escape from tougher Xmas rules #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/eZpA8soCmJ
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) December 19, 2021
Tomorrow's front page: D-Day for Christmas #tomorrowspaperstodayhttps://t.co/dyodjPduEh pic.twitter.com/5KFcInm7mh
— The Mirror (@DailyMirror) December 19, 2021
The Daily Mail urges the British prime minister not to “ruin our Christmas again”, while The Sun labels scientists “gloomy” for recommending Covid restrictions.
MAIL: Don’t ruin our Christmas again, Boris #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/zm9HYQlYwM
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) December 19, 2021
On tomorrow's front page: Boris Johnson urged to resist fresh Covid curbs recommended by gloomy scientists and let nation enjoy festive period https://t.co/oRabhXPUj7 pic.twitter.com/AMbSZezhaI
— The Sun (@TheSun) December 19, 2021
Elsewhere, The Guardian‘s front page carries the latest in the Tory party scandal, showing Boris Johnson and his staff at No 10 in May 2020 during lockdown.
Guardian front page, Monday 20 December 2021: Johnson and
staff seen at No 10 event in lockdown pic.twitter.com/rLJGbjCWg4— The Guardian (@guardian) December 19, 2021
And the Daily Star leads with fears over the cost of biscuits rising.
Tomorrow's Daily Star front page: Jingle Bills Choc Shockhttps://t.co/GZRsqbMd1n pic.twitter.com/c5U4kW19bl
— Daily Star (@dailystar) December 19, 2021
