UK OMICRON CASES MAY REACH PARITY WITH DELTA BY MID-DECEMBER

Wed 15 December 2021:

As Omicron cases in the UK continue to rise, the UK’s health body has warned that by mid-December, Omicron cases might account for half of all COVID-19 infections in the country.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech provided much “lower levels of protection against symptomatic infection” compared to Delta. However, the report said “effectiveness against the new variant” appears to increase after a booster dose while emphasising that those over 40 should take the booster dose.

Omicron was discovered in wastewater in the UK between November 26 and November 28, according to the UK health security agency. According to the research, the Omicron type has a “transmission advantage” over Delta.

According to the agency, Omicron instances are fast increasing in all parts of England. Omicron was shown to be responsible for 30% of all COVID-19 cases in London, according to a previous study.

Even though just 4,713 confirmed Omicron illnesses were reported, UK health secretary Sajid Javed informed parliament on Tuesday that the number of daily infections owing to Omicron was “42 times greater at 200,000” according to the UKHSA.

As the travel ban for African countries was lifted, Javed admitted that “”the travel red list is now less effective in slowing the incursion of Omicron from abroad.” As the UK continues to battle the virus, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced “Plan B” measures to combat the new variant.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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