Omicron takes over as dominant coronavirus variant in London
The mutation has taken over Delta and now accounts for 50% of cases in the capital
Last updated 14th Dec 2021
London's Regional Director of Public Health is urging all Londoners to get vaccinated against coronavirus, as Omicron takes over as the dominant strain of coronavirus in the capital.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) believes the Omicron variant is causing around 200,000 new infections per day.
There is exponential growth, with cases doubling at least every two to three days.
Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director of Public Health, said:
“Our latest monitoring of provisional data indicates that over 50% of cases sent for further analysis in London are now Omicron, replacing Delta as the dominant variant.
"It is crucially important that Londoners get fully vaccinated with their first dose, second dose, and the all-important booster while we learn more about the clinical characteristics of Omicron and the potential impact on our hospitals.
"I want to thank Londoners for their immense response over the past couple of days in coming forward for their vaccines and protecting themselves and their communities. As a city we can do this.”
Boris Johnson has warned his Cabinet that a "huge spike" of Omicron is coming, according to Downing Street.
Giving an account of Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said:
"The Prime Minister said a huge spike of Omicron was coming and the measures we aim to introduce as part of Plan B were balanced and proportionate, helping to reduce transmission while we ramp up the booster programme."
Cabinet took place virtually for the first time in months, the spokesman said, "in light of the increasing number of cases and our advice to work from home when possible".
Asked why Mr Johnson was not planning further measures despite the incoming "spike", the spokesman argued the link between cases and severe illness had been "severely ... reduced" by vaccines.
"We are not being complacent, which is why we've brought forward drastically the target for getting everyone boosted," he said.
The Government's Plan B will be enough to get the country through Christmas, the Deputy Prime Minister has said, though he did not rule out future restrictions to tackle Omicron.
Dominic Raab said the current set of measures, which include working from home and increased mask-wearing, will enable people to have the ability to spend the festive season "with loved ones" across England.