Wednesday, December 15, 2021
All-time record for new infections
Omicron wave hits Great Britain
The number of Omicron cases in the UK is currently doubling in two days. The total number of new infections is at an unprecedented level. Hospital admissions are also skyrocketing. Prime Minister Johnson urges his compatriots to be vaccinated.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned of a massive wave of infections with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in the UK. “The Omicron wave continues to sweep through the whole of the United Kingdom,” said the conservative politician at a press conference in the government seat on Downing Street in the evening. He almost pleaded with the British to get a booster vaccination.
The UK recorded the highest number of new infections ever recorded in one day, with 78,610 cases on Wednesday. The number of cases with the omicron variant is currently doubling in less than two days, Johnson continued. There has also been an increase in hospital admissions. The government’s chief medical advisor, Chris Whitty, added that the country is currently facing two different coronavirus epidemics, one with the Delta variant and a second, much more rapidly progressing, Omicron variant. “We’re going to break a lot of records soon,” he said. In London in particular, the number of hospital admissions is increasing.
The British government had parliament approve stricter corona measures against massive opposition from the conservative ruling party on Tuesday. These include mask requirements in shops and public transport and 3G rules for discos and certain major events. The government is also accelerating the booster vaccination campaign. All adults should receive a booster vaccination by the end of December – the rate is currently 43 percent.
Johnson approaches internal critics
After the internal party revolt against his corona rules, Johnson showed understanding for the rebels in his address in parliament. “I respect colleagues’ legitimate fears,” said Johnson. At the same time he promoted the “balanced and proportionate” measures, which include 3G rules for visiting discos and major events. The government had only gotten its tightening the previous evening thanks to the votes of the opposition through the lower house. Johnson appeared to deny this fact, however, claiming that he won the vote with votes from his Conservative Party.
The prime minister accused opposition leader Keir Starmer of political games. The government has always acted immediately and arranged for the fastest vaccination campaign in Europe, while Starmer’s Labor party hesitated. “We deliver, they complain,” said Johnson.