Omicron variant is highly contagious and can even infect vaccinated/infected people, say experts
Britain recorded a record number of new coronavirus cases on Thursday as the Omicron variant swept across the country, with the daily tally reaching 119,789 from 106,122 a day earlier.
Many industries and transport networks are struggling with staff shortages as sick workers self-isolate, while hospitals in Britain have warned of the risk of an impact on patient safety.
Omicron’s rapid advance has driven a surge in cases in Britain over the last seven days, with the total rising by 678,165, government data showed.
As the Conservative government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson struggles to limit the economic impact of the latest Covid-19 outbreak it said on Wednesday it was reducing the legal self-isolation period in England to seven days from 10.
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This change, which is aimed at getting people back to work sooner, applies to people who have been legally required to self-isolate due to a positive Covid-19 test who then get a negative lateral flow test result for two days in a row, after completing seven full days of isolation.
Johnson, who has staked considerable political capital on the Christmas of 2021 being “considerably better” than the previous year, on Tuesday ruled out new restrictions before the day itself, saying that there was uncertainty about the severity of Omicron and hospitalisation rates.
However, he did not rule out further measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 after Christmas Day, which falls on Saturday, if the situation deteriorated.
The devolved nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have already announced more post-Christmas restrictions.
There were 147 deaths within 28 days of a positive case, up from 140 on Wednesday, the latest government data showed.
Omicron variant is highly contagious and can even infect vaccinated/infected people, say experts
Doctors explain how some people can come into contact with a positive case without getting the virus themselves
Globally, cases decreased by nine per cent between July 25 and 31, as compared to the previous week
Over 178.2 million PCR tests have been conducted in the country so far
Total active cases stand at 18,841
Total active cases stand at 18,647
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Over 177.7 million PCR tests have been conducted in the country so far