UK daily Covid deaths lowest in 7 weeks with 35 fatalities & cases rise by 42k in a day amid fears of Omicron spread

NEW UK Covid deaths were today at their lowest level in seven weeks as fears of the new Omicron variant spread.

Another 35 fatalities were confirmed this afternoon along with 42,583 new infections.

The number of daily deaths has not been so low since October 11, when 28 more fatalities were confirmed.

It means a total of 144,810 people have now died within 28 days of a positive test result in Britain while more than 10million have tested positive overall.

Today's figures are smaller than they were last Monday, when deaths rose by 45 and infections grew by 44,917.

A month ago today, 43,467 people tested positive for the bug while 186 fatalities were reported.

It comes as…

  • Millions to get booster jab EARLY in race to save Christmas from Omicron – as 2nd dose deemed safe for kids
  • Two new Omicron cases takes UK total to 11 – amid fears of spread with 'many more expected in DAYS'
  • Certain people ‘appear at greater risk of Omicron variant’, doctor who first spotted strain warns
  • Brits told it's 'time to be vigilant' in order to save Christmas as Omicron cases start to spiral

It comes as the dreaded Omicron variant spreads across Britain, with the UK's total number of confirmed cases now at 11.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam today described the strain as the "new kid on the block", adding scientists from around the world have been left concerned.

He told a Downing Street briefing: "Its always been the case that at some point, we’ll get a variant that gives us heightened concern.

"We are at that moment with Omicron."

Officials are now desperately trying to stop the spread, with Brits urged to "be vigilant" in order to save Christmas.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the Omicron variant "may have given the virus extra legs" in the race against vaccines but can be defeated.

He also insisted new restrictions including mask wearing and travel curbs will be ditched if the strain turns out to be a false alarm.

Mr Javid told the Commons this afternoon: "Getting a jab when the time comes, following the rules we’ve put in place and getting rapid, regular tests.

"If we all come together once again, then we can keep this virus at bay and protect the progress that we’ve made."

The Health Secretary confirmed there have now been five cases of Omicron in England along with six in Scotland.

And he said "we expect cases to rise over the coming days".

"Our strategy is to buy time and strengthen defences while scientists learn more," Mr Javid added.

Ministers have pledged to remain on the “front foot” in the fight against the super spreading variant, vowing to give millions of Brits their Covid booster jab early.

Government scientists confirmed an extra 13 million over-18s will become eligible for a third shot of the vaccine before the end of the year.

Kids aged 12 to 15 will also be offered a second dose of the vaccine, in an attempt to shore up the nation’s immunity in the face of the worrying new strain.

Experts hope cutting the gap between the second and third doses of the jab from six to three months will allow the UK to get ahead of the new Covid variant.

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