People planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve have been warned they must leave the parties for later next year as 'Covid loves a crowd'.

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director, said staying at home and seeing in 2021 'within the rules' will reduce infections and relieve pressure on hospitals.

He told a Downing Street press conference: “We know it’s the end of the year, it’s a time where people traditionally want to celebrate.

“But it’s absolutely vital that this year, everybody continues to follow the guidance by staying at home and not mixing.

“We can all play a part in fighting this terrible virus: stay at home, mark the New Year with just nearest and dearest within the rules.

“This action will reduce infections, relieve pressures on hospitals, and that’s how everybody can help to save a life.

“Covid loves a crowd, so please leave the parties for later in the year.”

In Lancashire, police have thanked those who have always tried to stick to the guidelines and are warning would-be revellers that they will take action if anyone is caught flouting the rules.

Posting on Twitter, DCC Terry Woods said: "Thanks again to majority of Lancs public who have always tried to adhere to rules.

"Let’s have one last push with the new rules whilst the rates are high and vaccination programme ramps up.

"To those who flout rules Lancashire Police will take action."

A spokesperson from Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "Most people are probably more than ready to say goodbye to 2020 and hopefully the new year will be a better one for us all.

"Please ring in the new year responsibly though – and remember Christmas bubbles are no longer in place. Let's start 2021 safely."

A Lancashire County Council spokesperson said: "The best way to celebrate New Year's Eve is safely at home with your own household or support bubble.

"Avoid large gatherings of any kind.

"Don’t mix indoors with households who are not in your support bubble.

"When you're indoors, let fresh air in." 

During the Downing Street press conference on Wednesday, Prof Powis called for restraint after deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said the NHS had yet to see the impact of household mixing over Christmas.

He said the situation in the UK is 'precarious in many parts already' and urged the public to 'play your part from bringing us back from this very dangerous situation'.

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Prof Van-Tam said: “It is almost certainly true that the NHS has not yet seen the impact of the infections that will have occurred during mixing on Christmas Day and that is also unfortunately rather sobering."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson also urged people to follow the rules this evening.

Speaking on Wednesday he said: “I must ask you to follow the rules where you live tomorrow night and see in the New Year safely at home.

“That means not meeting up with friends or family indoors, unless they’re in the same household or support bubble, and avoiding large gatherings of any kind.”

People are also being warned to cancel events such as unlicensed music events, or the organisers would likely face a very significant fine.

Police have been instructed to encourage those breaking the rules, but where necessary will enforce fines, starting at £100 and working their way up to £10,000.