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 working together to determine how dangerous and contagious Omicron 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 also 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 the Health Secretary dismissed all calls for further 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 how dangerous the new variant of the vaccine is, and whether it affects the effectiveness or not.
🔵 Read our Omicron variant live blog for the latest news & updates
It was confirmed last night:
- On Tuesday, new mandatory mask rules for shops/trains will take effect after a law modification is passed today.
- 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.
- From today, students in Year 7 and over will be instructed to hide in the communal areas of schools and colleges.
These restrictions, however, Mr Javid said would not disrupt the celebrations and urged Brits. “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.”
But he warned it would. “irresponsible”So that additional restrictions wouldn’t be necessary.
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, the head of the vaccine task force, warned that it was too late for him to stop despite his assurances “the monster” from reaching the UK — and it would only be a “matter of time”Before infections rocket.
‘JAB TWEAK’
He confirmed that a “tweak”To existing coronavirus jabs, it was possible and Britain was well-positioned thanks to the Oxford/AstraZeneca staff.
Labour called for workers to be sent home from work last night and tighter border and masking regulations.
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 handful of school head teachers recommended that schools close early for Christmas holidays. Some even called for a return back to social distancing, which is a hated practice.
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, there were 37,681 confirmed cases of Covid, and 51 deaths.
The number hospitalized patients was down by 11% compared to last week.
Doc: There have been no new mild 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, his wife of 50 years, spoke his final words: “I have never felt so ill. I wish I’d had the vaccine.”
Emma of Malvern, Worcs double jabbed, and said at the end Glynn “begged for the vaccine”But it was too late.
She encouraged others to get inoculated.
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