UK announces first Omicron death as Britons rush for booster jabs

At least one person in the United Kingdom has succumbed to the virus after contracting the Omicron variant as officials warn the new coronavirus strain is spreading at a “phenomenal” rate.

As fears of another punishing wave grip the country, Britons in their hundreds have formed queues at vaccine centres to get booster dose, heeding government advice.

Since the first Omicron cases were detected on November 27 in the UK, Johnson has imposed tougher restrictions. On Sunday, he urged people to get a third shot to prevent the health service from being overwhelmed as he warned of a “tidal wave” of infections which could overcome even those who are fully vaccinated.

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Data released on Friday showed that vaccine efficacy against symptomatic infection was substantially reduced against Omicron with just two doses, but a third dose boosted protection up to more than 70 percent. UK’s Parliament is due to vote on Tuesday on whether to enforce further measures, which include ordering people to work from home, wear masks in public places and use COVID-19 passes for some venues.