Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
What we know about Omicron
The new variant is thought to be highly contagious. It has twice as many mutations as Delta, the current dominant Covid strain. Cases are being found worldwide. The UK confirmed its presence after it was first identified in South Africa on November 27. There are now more than 50 countries with reported cases including Canada, the US, Australia, Japan, India, Malaysia,
Singapore,
South Korea and Sri Lanka.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Fatigue and a high pulse are among more unusual symptoms, with doctors saying they have had patients with muscle aches, scratchy throat and dry cough. A few had high temperatures.
DO VACCINES AND BOOSTER JABS PROVIDE PROTECTION?
While Covid booster jabs have been shown to be effective, there are concerns that the millions of people who are yet to get their third inoculation will have lower protection against symptoms of the virus.
Officials stress two doses should still offer high protection against severe illness but there remains a risk of lots of hospitalisations.
HOW DANGEROUS IS THE NEW STRAIN?
The variant already makes up almost a third of new cases in London. Modelling by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine suggests the strain could cause anywhere from 25,000 to 75,000 deaths in England over the next five months, and more people being taken into hospital than last January.
WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT DOING TO COMBAT IT?
No 10 has already brought in its back-up Plan B strategy, reimposing work-from-home guidance and making face masks compulsory in more venues. Officials have repeatedly refused to rule out taking more stringent measures. Tougher options could replicate ones introduced last Christmas in the face of the second wave, which effectively cancelled Christmas for millions living in the worst-hit areas, such as London.