HEALTH chiefs last night confirmed a third case of the new Omicron Covid strain in the UK — amid fears there are already hundreds of others.
More than 75 “probable”Sources from Government indicate that cases of the mutant variant have been reported with more than 150 other possible suspects.
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Scientists and ministers are trying to figure out what Omicron is and how dangerous it can be.
It is believed to spread rapidly.
One doctor in South Africa identified it 12 days ago. He reported the symptoms to him. “mild”.
The UK Health Security Agency warned that it was “very likely”Further Omicron cases will soon be found.
There was extensive contact tracing in Westminster last night after it became clear that the latest confirmed case had visited the UK prior to leaving.
Sajid Javid, Health Secretary, dismissed calls for another lockdown.
He stated that infections and hospitalisations are the most common causes of death. “nowhere near” the level required for restrictions beyond those announced by Boris Johnson at Saturday’s surprise press conference.
Mr Javid suggested that the border and masks needed for Christmas shoppers and commuters should be tightened. “buy time”To determine if the new variant is harmful and if it reduces the effectiveness of vaccines.
🔵 Read our Omicron variant live blog for the latest news & updates
It was confirmed last night
- After a law amendment is approved today, new compulsory mask rules will be in force for shops and trains on Tuesday.
- All international arrivals to the UK starting Tuesday morning must take a PCR test of Covid and self isolate until they receive a negative result.
- Children in Year 7 and over will be instructed to start hiding in the communal areas of schools and colleges.
However, Mr Javid insists that these restrictions will not ruin the festivities and urges Brits to “keep making plans to see family and friends” — just like he is doing.
He said: “I think people should continue with their plans as normal for Christmas. I think it’s going to be a great Christmas.”
He did warn it would be “irresponsible”To ensure that no further restrictions are required.
He told Times Radio: “We’ve been very open with the information we have. We don’t have enough information to draw any definitive conclusions.
“But if we can buy some time to stop it from being seeded quickly or to stop its spread — then we can use that sensibly to assess it more and get answers to all these vital questions.”
Sir John Bell, head of the vaccine taskforce, stated that it was too late to save the world despite repeated assurances “the monster” from reaching the UK — and it would only be a “matter of time”Before infections rocket.
‘JAB TWEAK’
He confirmed that he had. “tweak”To existing coronavirus jabs, it was possible and Britain was well-placed thanks to the Oxford/AstraZeneca staff.
Last night, Labour demanded that workers be sent home and that there are stricter borders and masking rules.
Frontbencher Lisa Nandy hit out: “There are a number of outstanding holes in our defences”Around travel.
She warned: “We don’t think the Government has been getting the balance right up to now.
“That’s why we support the measures to bring in greater use of masks, mandatory masks in some settings.
“And we’ll be asking questions about whether the scientific basis for that suggests that that needs to go further.”
A few head teachers even advised schools to close their doors early for the Christmas holidays. Some also called for a return of hated social distancing.
But Mr Javid refused to accept the moves.
He told Sky News: “We know now those types of measures do carry a very heavy price, both economically, socially, in terms of non-Covid health outcomes such as impact on mental health.
“So if one was to make decisions like that, they would have to be done very, very carefully and we’re not there yet — we’re nowhere near that.”
Yesterday, 37,681 Covid cases and 51 deaths were confirmed.
The number of patients admitted to hospital fell by 11 percent compared to last week.
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Doc: We have received mild new cases
A DOCTOR who treated Omicron patients says symptoms are mild but unusual — including high heart rate.
Dr Angelique coetzee, a South African private doctor, stated that the new version does not taste or smell as bad as previous versions.
She said cases were not serious but added: “We have to worry about older, unvaccinated people.
“If they are not vaccinated, we are going to see many with a severe form of the disease.”
Experts worry that Omicron may be able to bypass vaccines.
Jab snub man dies
VEGAN WHO resisted a Covid jab as a protest against animal testing has been diagnosed with the virus and is now dead.
Glynn Steel (54), lost his fight for survival after spending two weeks in intensive medical care.
Emma, Emma’s wife, was 50 when he died. “I have never felt so ill. I wish I’d had the vaccine.”
Emma, Malvern, Worcs said, “Double jabbed Emma,” near the end Glynn “begged for the vaccine”However, it was too late.
She encouraged others to get inoculated.
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