UK records first Omicron death as Boris Johnson warns people to get vaccine booster
Boris Johnson has announced the first UK death related to the Omicron variant of Covid as he urged people to get boosters immediately.
The first UK death from the Omicron variant has been confirmed by Boris Johnson this morning.
The Sun reports that it comes after it was revealed ten patients were in English hospitals with the mutated strain.
Brits have been urged to get their boosters to fight the wave of variant cases.
Speaking during a visit to a vaccination clinic near Paddington, in west London, the Prime Minister said: “Sadly yes Omicron is producing hospitalisations and sadly at least one patient has been confirmed to have died with Omicron.
“So I think the idea that this is somehow a milder version of the virus, I think that’s something we need to set on one side and just recognise the sheer pace at which it accelerates through the population.
“So the best thing we can do is all get our boosters.”
Mr Johnson did not name the person who died of the Omicron variant.
Getting three doses of the Covid vaccine has been proven to be vital in fighting off the mutant virus.
This variant is fast spreading, more transmissible and able to get around antibodies, unless they have been topped up with a booster.
The latest data revealed boosters offer up to 75 per cent protection from mild infection from Omicron.
UKHSA figures showed immunity from two doses of AstraZeneca was close to zero after six months, but a third dose with Pfizer saw protection from the super-strain rocket as high as 70 per cent.
Even with full protection, as cases rise and we near Christmas, it’s still advised to wear masks, keep washing hands and keep windows open for ventilation.
Mr Johnson added: “The risk is plainly there, we can see Omicron spiking now in London and some other parts of the country.
“Here in the capital it probably represents about 40 per cent of the cases. By tomorrow it’ll be the majority of the cases and it’s increasing the whole time.”
A top scientist has said he thinks super-transmissible Omicron may largely cause minor cold-like symptoms – even in the elderly – as long as they have been vaccinated.
This article originally appeared in The Sun and is republished here with permission
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