The number of new daily coronavirus infections in Britain has surpassed 70,000 for the first time.
Britain reported 78,610 new cases on Wednesday. The figure was up nearly 20,000 from the previous day.
The number tops the prior record of over 68,000 that was set in early January.
More than 10,000 Omicron variant infections have been recorded. The strain reportedly accounts for about 60 percent of the cases in London.
Chris Whitty is England's chief medical officer. He warned on Wednesday that the Omicron variant is "moving at an absolutely phenomenal pace." Whitty also said, "This is a really serious threat at the moment."
He noted that even though hospitalizations are flat right now, they are already increasing in London and some other regions.
Whitty expressed the concern that Omicron-related hospitalizations could surge after Christmas and strain the healthcare system.
The British government has mobilized troops and volunteers to help administer vaccine booster shots quickly to everyone aged 18 and older.
People eager to get a booster jab have been forming long lines at vaccination centers.
Britain reported 78,610 new cases on Wednesday. The figure was up nearly 20,000 from the previous day.
The number tops the prior record of over 68,000 that was set in early January.
More than 10,000 Omicron variant infections have been recorded. The strain reportedly accounts for about 60 percent of the cases in London.
Chris Whitty is England's chief medical officer. He warned on Wednesday that the Omicron variant is "moving at an absolutely phenomenal pace." Whitty also said, "This is a really serious threat at the moment."
He noted that even though hospitalizations are flat right now, they are already increasing in London and some other regions.
Whitty expressed the concern that Omicron-related hospitalizations could surge after Christmas and strain the healthcare system.
The British government has mobilized troops and volunteers to help administer vaccine booster shots quickly to everyone aged 18 and older.
People eager to get a booster jab have been forming long lines at vaccination centers.
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Summary
Britain reported over 78,610 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, surpassing the previous record of approximately 68,000 set in early January. The Omicron variant, accounting for about 60% of cases in London, is causing concern due to its rapid spread and predicted surge in hospitalizations after