csn's imtiaz tyab is tracking the virus, imtiaz. >> meg good evening, in the u.k. it is now the dominant variant. tonight, mayor sadiq khan, part of efforts to try to probate the health care system here. meanwhile makes across europe are implementing restrictions including tightening borders, while the netherlands has just announced it's going through trick lock down over christmas. holiday shoppers were only given a few hours warning before all nonessential shops will have to shut until after january. the government is continuing with its rapid booster program to try to prevent the spread of omicron. meg. >> thank you. while omicron rips across europe, new york city is racing to contraa dangerous surge. elise. >> reporter: good evening meg, new york city, radio city music hall, difficult decision for fans ever the rockettes. >> turned off the lights. the rockettes cancelled the christmas spectacular through the end of the season. while on broadway -- >> we were so excited to see hamilton. we flew a long way to get here. >> some performances are cancelled because o

imtiaz tyab, cbs news, kabul. >> duncan: straight ahead on the cbs weekend news, what scientists are learning from one of nature's most destructive forces. stay with us. >> duncan: the death toll jumped today in indonesia after the eruption of the highest volcano on the island of java. at least 14 people were killed, the volcano shot smoke and ash at least eight miles into the sky. some of it teen falling on several villages. rescuers are sifting through smoldering debris still in search of survivors. while volcanoes can be deadly and destructive, an eruption on spain's can are islands is also proving to be educational, even schooling scientists it. cbs's ian lee explains how. >> the study of volcano scientists have to get dangerously close. all while keeping an eye out for falling lava bombs the size of watermelons. as they try to nab the hot rocks at more than 1300 degrees fahrenheit. >> it has been an exciting experience, mind blowing, literally as many of these processes in action. >> they are taking the big risks hoping to see big rewards with answers to important questions like

we get more now from imtiaz tyab in london. >> reporter: angry protests in as police and anti-vaxxers clash outside of parliament, demonstrators are demanding an end to vaccine mandates and other covid measures. the unrest comes, as worrying new government figures show england has recorded the highest number of children admitted to hospital with covid since the pandemic began. 65 under 18s were hospitalized on december the 12th with more than half just 5 years old and under. >> they are a lot younger than the patients that we're used to -- um, we had in the first and second surge. >> reporter: as record numbers of new infections threaten to strain the uk's already-struggling national health system, britain's booster shot program is being turbo charged. every minute, 100 people are being boosted in london, alone. >> the waiting time is two and a half a to three hours. >> reporter: despite the long lines in places, few were complaining. why do you think so many people just think i need to get this? >> peace of mind really, if anything else. >> reporter: across europe, omicron concerns h

cbs' imtiaz tyab reports. >> reporter: it's an ancient tradition.ing of a candle at the church of the nativity where christians believe baby jesus was born on this very spot, but there are far fewer of the faithful in the biblical city of bethlehem this christmas thanks to the rapid emergence of omicron. still, for some, hope isn't all lost. >> we are christians, we always have hope in our hearts, and christ is the one who is bringing this hope. >> reporter: israel, which controls all the borders of the occupied west bank where bethlehem lies, has renewed its ban on overseas tourists, still in manger square the traditional christmas tree is up and the decorations are hung but without the usual 3 million-plus visitors for a second year in a row. small businesses here are struggling. vaccinated palestinian christians who live in israel, the west bank and even the few from gaza who are able to get permits are still able to visit bethlehem and were on hand for the annual christmas tree lighting ceremony. >> we truly believe that the birth of the prince

we get more from imtiaz tyab in london. >> reporter: angry protests in the heart of london.lice and antivaxxer accounts clash in front of parliament. end of vaccine mandates and other covid measures. the unrest comes, after england has recorded the highest number of children admitted to hospital with covid since the pandemic began. december the 12th, more than half just 75 years old and under. >> they're a lot younger than half just 5 years old and under. >> they're a lot younger than the patients that we used to -- we had in the first and second surge. >> reporter: as record number of new nefntions threaten to strain britain's already health system, 100 people are being boostedin london alone. >> the wait time is two to three hours. >> so many people are complaining. >> why do you think you should get this? >> piece of mind if anything else. >> across the country, including in the netherlands which has become the first country in europe to reenter lock down. streets normally parked ahead of the christmas holidays are now largely empty with strict measures expected to last u

imtiaz tyab. >> yuccas: always hold on to hope. author of a sympathetic ear traveled far beyond this event. we gave new zzzquil pure zzzs restorative herbal sleep to people who were tired of being tired. i've never slept like this before. i've never woken up like this before. crafted with clinically studied plant-based ingredients that work naturally with your body. for restorative sleep like never before. >> yuccas: this summer, we introduced you to a man who offers a sympathetic ear, all from his beachside bench. here's cbs's steve hartman with an update "on the road." >> reporter: in st. petersburg, florida, when the sun rises, al nixon sets for his impromptu therapy sessions. >> how you been? >> reporter: are you surprised at what people tell you? >> not anymore. >> reporter: al isn't a strained therapist. >> i have been concerned. >> reporter: he works for the city water department. >> he's dismissing you. yeah. >> reporter: in these early morning hours he's a trusted confidant and counselor to whoever passes by. >> and i wrot