BA.2, which does not have the specific mutation seen with Omicron that can be used as a proxy to easily distinguish it from Delta, is being investigated but has not been designated a Variant Of Concern
Seven people believed to have had the Omicron variant had died as of Thursday, up from one death in the UKHSA's previous data which ran up to Tuesday. Admissions to hospital of people thought to have the variant increased to 85 from 65.
British study points to lockdowns as COVID-19 infection rates fall 67% in England Bookmark Please log in to listen to this story. Also available in French and Mandarin. Log In Create Free Account
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TOBY MELVILLE/Reuters
Canadians worried about the British variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 can take comfort from a study in England which shows that infection rates have fallen by 67 per cent in the past month.
Interim monthly tracking figures released Thursday by researchers at London’s Imperial College found that the number of people in England who tested positive for COVID-19 had fallen by more than two-thirds from mid-January to Feb. 13. Infections dropped in every region and fell by 80 per cent in London.
London mayor declares COVID-19 situation to be critical as U.K. reports record number of new deaths Danica Kirka and Jill Lawless The Associated Press Bookmark Please log in to listen to this story. Also available in French and Mandarin. Log In Create Free Account
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TOLGA AKMEN/AFP/Getty Images
London Mayor Sadiq Khan declared the British capital’s COVID-19 situation to be critical Friday, reflecting deteriorating conditions for beleaguered hospitals, as the country recorded its highest daily death toll in the pandemic.