UK coronavirus alert level increased from Level 3 to Level 4

Following advice from the UK Health Security Agency and in the light of the rapid increase in Omicron cases, the UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England National Medical Director have recommended to ministers that the UK COVID-19 alert level should increase from Level 3 to Level 4.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a further 1,239 new daily cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 across the United Kingdom.

This brings the total cases in the UK of variant first discovered recently in South Africa, to 3,137.

Five additional confirmed cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 have been reported across Northern Ireland, bringing the total number across the province to 10.

England has a further 1,196 (total cases 2953), Scotland has a further 38 cases (total cases 159), and Wales has reported no new cases today (total 15).

In a statement signed by the Chief Medical Officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the CMO’s said:

“Transmission of COVID-19 is already high in the community, mainly still driven by Delta, but the emergence of Omicron adds additional and rapidly increasing risk to the public and healthcare services.

“Early evidence shows that Omicron is spreading much faster than Delta and that vaccine protection against symptomatic disease from Omicron is reduced. Data on severity will become clearer over the coming weeks but hospitalisations from Omicron are already occurring and these are likely to increase rapidly.

“When vaccine protection is reduced in the way that is happening with Omicron it is essential to top up that protection with a booster. Both booster vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) increase the immune response substantially and show good effectiveness although with some reduction compared to Delta.

“The NHS is currently under pressure mainly driven by non-COVID-19 pressures. With a variant spreading with increased transmissibility and reduced vaccine effectiveness, we are likely to see this pressure rise soon.

“It is extremely important that if you are eligible, you get your COVID-19 vaccination now – whether this be your first, second or booster dose.

“People should continue take sensible precautions including ventilating rooms, using face coverings, testing regularly and isolating when symptomatic.”