Omicron accounts for 40 percent of all Covid cases. This was disclosed today by experts who call for restrictions on London.
Boris Johnson stated that the super-mutant variant of coronavirus is about 4 in 10 in London, and “tomorrow it will be the majority” in London.
He explained that Omicron is spiking right now in London, and elsewhere across the country.
“Here, in the capital, it probably represents approximately 40 percent of the cases. It will make up the majority of cases by tomorrow and is growing all the time.
Over 3,137 infections were detected in the UK. Of these, 1,239 cases were registered yesterday. But, it is believed that the actual number could be far higher. Officials have warned that cases increase by at least two-to-three times per day.
Yesterday, Nadhim Zahawi, former vaccines minister, confirmed that there have been patients infected by the variant. Johnson warned that at least one person could have died from the variant after being infected.
The announcement comes as Health Secretary Sajid Javid stated that the strain has been growing at a “phenomenal” rate, and officials had expected to see 1million cases by the end-of-the month.
Data from the government shows that cases have increased by as much as 48% per week in the hardest-hit boroughs (Barking and Hackney), City of London, Greenwich and Dagenham).
The lowest infection rates (0.7per cent) have been reported in Sutton, Richmond upon Thames, and Bromley.
MailOnline was told by leaders of the NHS that a London lockdown may be necessary if there is a rise in cases.
Data from the government shows that cases have increased by as much as 48% per week in the hardest-hit boroughs (Barking and Dagenham and Hackney), and City of London.
During a trip to Stow Health Vaccination Centre in Westminster today, the Prime Minister was photographed with Amanda Pritchard, the NHS boss. About 40% of all cases are here in the capital. Tomorrow it will be the majority and the number is increasing all the time.
The BBC Radio 4 Today’s Mr Javid spoke out, saying that “This variant is growing rapidly.” It’s something like this we’ve never witnessed before. This month, 1million infections are expected.
“Already, in London it has gone from nearly nothing in terms Covid infections to 40% of all infections in just three weeks.
“If you consider that this, the tidal waves of infection. Even if some believe otherwise, there are many who claim this to be less serious. But let’s see.
“But let’s assume that even though it’s less severe, the percentage of people infected with severe diseases is still significant when compared to a lot of other infections.
The UK Health Security Agency data shows that cases in Barking and Dagenham are on the rise. In the week ending November 30, 323 of 100,000 people tested positive for Covid. This number jumped to 478 in seven days, December 7.
MailOnline has been informed by NHS officials that they may need to lock down London if rising numbers of cases lead to an increase in deaths and hospitalizations.
Matthew Taylor, the chief executive officer of NHS Confederation told MailOnline that additional Covid restrictions might be placed in London and elsewhere in the country if there are high numbers of cases.
He said: ‘Decisions about reintroducing national or regionalised lockdowns should not be made lightly as they can significantly affect people’s health and wellbeing but if the modelling scenarios about the possible impact of Omicron on hospitalisations and deaths look increasingly likely, the Government should be prepared to consider introducing further interventions to prevent that.
“We also encourage people to use face masks and ventilate indoor environments to reduce transmission.