The COVID-19 virus has now been reported in 78,610 cases, covering an increase of about 10,000 over the previous high reported in January. This is the highest daily COVID-19 case count the United Kingdom has seen since the outbreak began. It is estimated that over 11 million people have been infected with the disease in the UK, a country with a population of 67 million people.
Over the Christmas holiday, millions of Britons are at risk for being isolated due to the new wave of infections, which are believed to be caused by the Omicron variant.
PM Boris Johnson urged everyone to get a third vaccine dose at a press conference with a sign that said “Get boosted now.” to prevent hospitalisations and death. “I’m afraid we’re also seeing the inevitable increase in hospitalisations up by 10 per cent nationally week on week and up by almost a third in London,” he said.
“But we are also seeing signs of hope,” he added, referring to an overwhelming response to the goverment’s call for booster shot bookings. “I want to say that each and every one of you who rolls up your sleeve to get jabbed is helping this national effort, and I want to thank everyone who has come forward.”
UK Health Security Agency CEO Jenny Harries called the Omicron variant “probably the most significant threat” since the outbreak began. As a result of the rapid increase in infections, Harries said that Omicron might seriously undermine the National Health Service.
The new omicron virus has a doubling time under two days in most places in Britain, with London and Manchester in particular showing rapid growth.
