UK Covid-19 cases up 52% ​​in one week: official data

The cases were 51.9% higher in the seven days till December 19 as compared to the previous week.

England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said earlier this week that a surge in cases was putting pressure on the healthcare service battling the illness for staff.

Whitty told lawmakers that Omicron is so permeable that even though it proves to be milder than other types, it could still lead to an increase in hospital admissions.

“It’s possible, because it’s going to be very concentrated for a short period of time, even if it’s mild, you could end up with a higher number than if you went to the hospital in a single day,” he said.

However, he added that vaccination could cut down on the number of intensive care admissions and reduce the time spent in hospital.

Britain is betting that vaccine boosters will prevent serious disease caused by Omicron.

The government has advised people to work from home, mandated wearing of masks in public places and introduced COVID-19 passes to enter some places and events in England, but eased previous lockdown measures.