UK reports its first Omicron death as variant continues to spread rapidly: What you need to know

Picture courtesy: Hindustan Times

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday confirmed the first death due to the Omicron variant of coronavirus as Britain expanded its booster programme for all aged 30 and above. Johnson told reporters that “at least one patient has been confirmed to have died with Omicron”.

Johnson, speaking to reporters during a visit to a vaccination clinic in West London on Monday, said the omicron variant “was producing hospitalizations, and sadly at least one patient has been confirmed to have died with omicron.”

He also said fully jabbed people would be advised to do daily tests after contact with a Covid case from Tuesday.

UK's National Health Service expanded its vaccine booster programme from Monday after the country's health security agency found that the additional dose of the Covid vaccine significantly restores protection against mild disease caused by Omicron. But users are facing issues with the booking system amid high demand for booster shots.

More than 100,000 people trying to book their Covid booster jabs on Monday has led to the NHS website crashing, the government has said.