UK records biggest daily jump of Omicron cases

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported another 12,133 Omicron cases in the UK, the largest daily increase since the COVID-19 variant was discovered in the country, bringing the total number of Omicron cases found in the country to 37,101.

Meanwhile, the UK reported 82,886 new coronavirus cases, bringing the country’s total number of coronavirus cases to 11,361,387, according to Xinhua news agency, citing official figures released on Sunday (December 19, 2021).

The number of confirmed cases has dropped from 90,418 on Saturday to 90,418 today. Over the weekend, however, figures are generally lower. On Friday, the United Kingdom reported a new high of 93,045 confirmed cases.

Another 45 coronavirus-related deaths were reported in the country. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK has now reached 147,218 people, with 7,611 Covid-19 patients still hospitalised.

The latest figures come as British Health Secretary Sajid Javid stated that the new variant is spreading “very, very quickly,” even faster than the figures indicate.

According to him, the “actual number of infections will be significantly higher than case numbers suggest” because not everyone will take a test and there will be a lag for people to receive their test results.

Meanwhile, the British government’s advisory scientists have warned that additional restrictions will be required “within days” to prevent hospitals from being overrun by Omicron.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Omicron coronavirus variant has been reported in 89 countries, and the number of cases is doubling in 1.5 to three days in areas with community transmission.

According to the most recent figures, more than 89 percent of people aged 12 and over in the United Kingdom have received their first dose of vaccine, and more than 81 percent have received both doses. More than half of those who have received booster shots, or the third dose of a coronavirus vaccine, have done so.