Scientists pushed for stricter rules for Covid even before the UK’s first omicron case

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This week, the government extended the booster campaign to all adults and shortened the gap to just three months in an effort to provide more protection for people if Omicron cases start to rise.

On Friday, the UK’s Health Security Agency published its first miscellaneous technical briefing on Omicron, but said the delta variant still made up more than 99 per cent of cases.

Although 12 of the first 22 cases were among people exposed to double stabbing, experts cautioned that the numbers were small and reflect basic vaccination coverage in the population.

The UK’s Health Security Agency said another 75 cases of Omicron had been identified in England. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in England to 104.

So far, no one with omicron has died or been transferred in England. Jenny Harris, chief executive of the UK’s Health Security Agency, said: “Thanks to very high levels of vaccine coverage, we already have a strong defense against Covid-19 as new variables emerge.

“We are working as quickly as possible to gather more evidence about any effect the new variant might have on disease severity or vaccine efficacy.

“Until we have this evidence, we must exercise the highest level of caution in drawing conclusions about any significant risks to people’s health.

“The most important thing everyone can do right now is get whatever dose of vaccine they are eligible for – it is by far the most effective measure you can take to protect yourself, your family and your communities.”

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