How fast is the Omicron variant spreading in the UK?

Health minister Gillian Keegan confirmed to Sky News that 129 people are now confirmed to be in hospital with the new strain, and 14 people are now known to have died from Omicron.

The UK Health and Security Agency said on Tuesday that it had identified 15,363 new cases, taking the UK’s official Omicron total to over 60,508. However, the true figure is thought to be multiples higher – currently around the 90,000 mark.

Furthermore, the government also announced that people infected with Covid in England can stop self-isolating up to three days early, ending quarantine after seven days instead of 10 by providing negative lateral flow results on day six and day seven. Health Secretary Sajid Javid explained that it would “minimise disruption caused by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.”

However, what restrictions will be in place, including a rumoured two week ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown, and whether New Year’s Eve plans will go ahead remains to be seen as ministers monitor the data “hour by hour”.

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