Omicron will ‘inevitably’ increase hospitalisations
CITY EXPERT GIVES HIS ADVICE ON HOW TO STAY SAFE AT CHRISTMAS
AN expert says the Omicron variant of Covid will “inevitably” lead to more hospital admissions because it is the dominant strain.
Professor Ian Hall urged everyone to be cautious over the Christmas period.
Professor Hall is director of the Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, which is helping to lead the scientific fight against Covid.
He says that while there is a lag period in the data for hospital admissions due to Omicron and Covid, an increase will happen.
Emergency Government meetings are ongoing and speculation is growing that there could be further restrictions soon.
Nationally, almost 550,000 people have tested positive for Covid in the past week.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said the data was still being monitored.
Professor Hall hopes the NHS will be able to handle the increase, despite winter pressures.
He said: “Clearly, further restrictions are being considered and I suspect it would be politically more acceptable if they are imposed after Christmas.
“Inevitably, Omicron will lead to more hospital admissions because it is now the dominant strain, and admissions will therefore be related to Omicron as they will form the majority of positive test results that are coming back.
“There is a lag period in the data, so we don’t yet know the full extent of hospital admissions because of Omicron, and at the moment we’re seeing a situation where there is a large upturn in positive cases, but not a large upturn in hospital admissions.
“Obviously, if hospital admissions stay stable, that would be encouraging, but the likelihood is when we see an upturn in cases, we will see an increase in hospital admissions, but it just depends on how much.
“What matters is if the healthcare system could cope.”
Professor Hall added: “There are four simple bits of advice I would urge people to do – get vaccinated, do not mix if you feel unwell at all, take lateral flow tests and be socially responsible as an individual.
“Anecdotally, I’ve heard people say ‘I’ve got a cold and I’m not worried,’ but it isn’t the sensible thing to do to go out, work or go shopping or anything like that if you’re not well and haven’t been tested.
“If you’re going to be socialising, like going to a family gathering, doing a lateral flow test beforehand makes complete sense. “No-one is saying not to get together and personally, I think it is unlikely to get to that stage, but the key thing is common sense.” The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “At this point, we’re still monitoring the data and keeping a very close eye on it, as the Deputy Prime Minister said this morning. “We’d update if any further decisions are taken and we will take any necessary steps in the interest of protecting lives and livelihoods.”
If you’re going to be socialising, doing a lateral flow test beforehand makes complete sense
Prof Ian Hall