First omicron COVID-19 death recorded in UK

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the country has had its first death from the COVID-19 omicron variant.

>> Read more trending news

“I think the idea that this is somehow a milder version of the virus, I think that’s something we need to set on one side and just recognize the sheer pace at which it accelerates through the population,” Johnson said during a stop at a vaccination clinic, CNN reported.

Health ministers said that the illness is spreading fast through the country with cases doubling every two or three days.

“It’s spreading at a phenomenal rate, something that we’ve never seen before — it’s doubling every two to three days in infections,” Health Secretary Sajid Javid told Sky News. But he could not say if the cases of omicron were milder than other versions of the illness.

There were 3,137 reported cases of omicron, but the number is expected to be higher, CNN reported.

The spread of omicron has appeared to have encouraged people in the U.K. to get booster shots as long lines for the vaccine have been seen across the country, BBC News reported.

The government is also pushing that if someone who is vaccinated is exposed to COVID-19, they should be tested daily.

The government has suspended new orders for lateral flow tests on its websites, but there are still supplies of the highly sought-after kits at pharmacies, Johnson said, according to BBC News.

The country has also moved into a new Plan B that encourages residents in England to work from home if able, strict face mask rules and passes issued for large crowd venues.

More coronavirus pandemic coverage:

>> Coronavirus: How long between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms?

>> What are your chances of coming into contact with someone who has COVID-19? This tool will tell you

>> How to not let coronavirus pandemic fatigue set in, battle back if it does

©2021 Cox Media Group