Covid: Omicron may require 'very stringent response', say Sage scientists

Covid: Omicron may require 'very stringent response', say Sage scientists The impact of the Omicron variant on the UK is "highly uncertain" but may require a "very stringent response", government advisers have said.

The BBC has seen leaked minutes of a meeting of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies held on Monday.

They said officials should prepare now for a "potentially significant" wave of infections while data on the variant is being collected and analysed. BBC News

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• Covid: Can the NHS boost the booster programme? BBC News
• Covid booster: Hospitals and pharmacies urged to ramp up rollout BBC News
• Covid: GPs have 'no capacity' to help with booster jabs BBC News
• Covid: No need to change Christmas plans says Sajid Javid BBC News
• Covid: Is it safe to hit the office Christmas party? BBC News
• Covid: WHO urges those at risk from disease to delay travel if not fully vaccinated BBC News
• People who survive severe COVID are 2.5 times as likely to die within a year as those not infected The Daily Mail
• Boris Johnson and Sajid Javid try to quell hospitality fears over limiting socialising The Daily Mail
• Omicron variant is unlikely to cause severe illness in vaccinated people, BioNTech says The Daily Mail
• No 10 must implement plan B before hospitals fill up, NHS leaders warn The Guardian
• This time we know the Covid risks. We have simply decided to manage them | Zoe Williams The Guardian
• Boosters 'huge logistical challenge' for the NHS, experts say The Independent
• NHS asks for army to help with Covid booster vaccine drive The Independent
• Experts fear new Covid variant will impact effectiveness of key drugs The Independent