Variant’s spread is good news, MP says

LETTING the Omicron Covid-19 variant become the dominant strain is “good news” and a way out of current restrictions, an MP has said.

Andrew Bridgen, Tory MP for North West Leicestershire, pictured, made the remark in the House of Commons on Tuesday, hours after the first case of the variant in the county was confirmed.

So far, no Omicron cases have led to hospitalisation, but Health Secretary Sajid Javid has called on people to take up the offer of booster vaccinations and encouraged those who have not had any jabs to get them.

Mr Bridgen said: “The normal evolution of a virus is to increase in transmissibility, but reduce in pathogenicity over time.

“The Secretary of State has already informed the House that none of the 336 cases of Omicron confirmed in the UK has yet resulted in hospitalisation. “Does he agree that that is tremendously good news and that we should look forward next week to hopefully having all restrictions lifted?”

The Health Secretary replied: “Let us see what next week brings.

Mr Bridgen later tweeted: “Based upon other viruses and the evidence we have so far then the faster that Omicron becomes the dominant strain the better for the UK and the world.” Reimposed restrictions, which have made face coverings mandatory in shops and on public transport, will be reviewed by the government next week. Measures including working from home and vaccine passports have been suggested.

The faster Omicron becomes the dominant strain the better for the UK and the world

Andrew Bridgen