ACCORDING to recent figures published by the UK Health Secretary Agency, one case of the “highly transmissible” Omicron variant has been confirmed in Middlesbrough.

The latest technical briefing by the UK Health Security Agency stresses that the variant “continues to grow rapidly.”

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According to recent figures listing confirmed Omicron cases found in the UK, one case has been confirmed in Middlesbrough.

The agency confirms that none of these cases is known to have been hospitalised or died.

Omicron has also been confirmed to be transmitting more effectively than Delta according to recent studies of contact.

The UK Health Secretary Agency stressed that if the Omicron variant continues to grow at the present rate, it will become the dominant strain.

This could account for more than 50 per cent of all Covid-19 infections in the UK by mid-December.

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It has also been projected that if current trends continue unchanged, the UK will exceed on million infections by the end of this month.

Analysis of 581 confirmed Omicron cases also showed that both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines provided much lower levels of protection against symptomatic infection, compared to the protection they provide against delta.

However, the data also showed that booster jabs provided around 70 per cent to 75 per cent protection against symptomatic infection.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at UKHSA, said: “These early estimates should be treated with caution but they indicate that a few months after the second jab, there is a greater risk of catching the Omicron variant compared to Delta strain.

“The data suggests this risk is significantly reduced following a booster vaccine, so I urge everyone to take up their booster when eligible.

“We expect the vaccines to show higher protection against the serious complications of COVID-19, so if you haven’t yet had your first 2 doses please book an appointment straight away.

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“Working from home where possible, consistently wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, washing your hands regularly and isolating and getting tested if you feel unwell are also vitally important in reducing the impact of COVID-19 this winter.”

Dr Jenny Harries, UKHSA chief executive said: “Once again, we urge everyone who is able to get a booster jab to come forward and do so.

“It is the best defence we have against this highly transmissible new variant.

“It is also absolutely critical that we all do what we can to reduce transmission in the community so that we have time to administer as many booster doses as possible.

“Please make sure you follow all the available guidance. Work from home if you are able to, wear a mask indoors around other people, and ventilate indoor spaces well.”

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