The United Kingdom has recorded the first death of a patient infected with the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus.
On Monday, Boris Johnson, the UK Prime Minister, announced that at least one person infected with the newly identified mutation had died.
“Omicron is producing hospitalisations and sadly at least one patient has been confirmed to have died with omicron,” Mr Johnson said during a visit to a vaccination clinic in West London.
Though Health Secretary Sajid Javid did not confirm the prime minister’s statement, Mr Javid disclosed to Sky News that about 10 people were currently in a hospital, confirmed to be infected with Omicron.
The UK reported 1,239 additional cases of the Omicron variant on Sunday, setting the total number of cases of the variant at 3,137.
This news comes after Mr Johnson’s announcement to reinforce vaccination campaigns across the country on Sunday.
He had declared in a televised address that up to one million booster jabs would have to be administered per day to stem the incoming “tidal wave of Omicron” and avoid imposing further restrictions.
In light of the new vaccination campaign, everyone over the age of 18 in England will be required to get their booster shot before the New Year.
The booster vaccine is being offered to all adults to give the best possible protection against the Omicron variant.
The government has also enlisted its military to support the campaign with 42 military planning teams being deployed to set up additional vaccine sites and mobile units.
The government will also extend opening hours for vaccination centres and will be training more volunteer vaccinators.
