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NEWS

UK reports 157,758 omicron variant cases amid 50% weekly rise

London, Jan 3 (Prensa Latina) The United Kingdom (UK) on Monday reported new 157,758 Covid-19 cases and 42 other deaths, amid a spiral of infections due to the spread of omicron variant.

Monday´s official data only included the number of Covid-19 cases confirmed in England and Scotland in the last 24 hours, and death toll in England only, due to delays in reports from Wales and Northern Ireland in the weekend.

Hours earlier the report was released, Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted that the new wave of omicron variant will put considerable pressure on UK´s public health services.

Mr. Johnson reiterated, however, that the British government has no plans to roll out more restrictions or social distancing measures to contain the new omicron variant, although experts had said it is three times more contagious than Delta.

According to UK prime minister, regulations implemented in the so-called Plan B will continue in effect, which includes the mandatory face coverings and masks in public transport and indoor places, teleworking when possible as well as the vaccine passports to have access to pubs and mass events.

We must continue to be cautious, we have to continue with Plan B, stressed the prime minister, while urging UK population to take a rapid antigen testing before meeting with someone outside their environment, and to get vaccinated as well.

Although this Monday’s data on vaccination do not include Wales, the report showed that about 16,000 second doses were administered in the last few hours, rising total to 47.4 million people (equivalent to 82.5% of UK population) fully vaccinated.

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