Author: News Desk

The emergence of the omicron variant of the coronavirus in southern Africa last month is causing concern around the world, not least because it is thought to be highly transmissible and because the 32 mutations of its spike protein suggest it might be able to resist current vaccines.

On Monday, the UK confirmed the first death from the new variant globally while health secretary Sajid Javid estimated that the rate of omicron infections was already at around 200,000 per day, with the strain expected to become dominant in London within 48 hours.

NHS England meanwhile announced that it will return to its highest level of emergency preparedness, level four national incident, meaning that the NHS response to omicron will be coordinated as a national effort rather than led by individual trusts.

All of which came as 54,661 new Covid cases were recorded as part of the official figures, plus another 38 deaths.

Boris Johnson’s government has been relatively quick to act this time around and has imposed its first social restrictions on the public since his ill-conceived “Freedom Day” of 19 July. – (The Independent) 

Several papers are reporting Britain will not face another lockdown due to the success of the vaccine rollout whilst other headlines are stressing the importance of the booster to avoid restrictions. 

Most papers are discussing what a potential lockdown would look like this time around compared with the UK’s last lockdown – perhaps an indication the papers are fully aware a lockdown could happen.

The Daily Express says THE UK’S Covid alert level has been raised to Level 4 but will there be another lockdown before Christmas?

The Sun says FURLOUGH could be brought back if further restrictions are imposed to tackle Omicron, insiders claim.

Evening Standard says the UK is unlikely to go into another lockdown as the Covid-19 situation is “fairly stable”.

The i says EXCLUSIVE Even Plan B restrictions such as social distancing and working from home would cost UK plc billions, according to experts.

The UK races to fight Omicron as infections estimated to hit 200,000 a day and booster jab queues of up to six hours, reports the Independent.

The PM and the NHS have made a plea to the general public asking for help with the booster drive, the Metro reports

The NHS has been told to prepare for an influx of COVID hospital admissions by discharging as many people as it can to free up beds, The Guardian reports.

The Metro says Manchester United have avoided Paris Saint-Germain in the redone Champions League last-16 draw while holders Chelsea will face Lille and Liverpool take on Inter Milan.

The Independent says Former NFL player Zac Stacy, who has been accused of brutally attacking his ex-girlfriend, has told police that she “staged” the incident.