Due to Omicron Spread... '40% Booster Shot Vaccination' in UK, 80,000 New Cases

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] In the UK, where 40% of adults have received an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose (booster shot), nearly 80,000 new cases have been reported. This is the highest number since the pandemic began, exceeding the previous record of 68,053 cases (January 8) by more than 10,000.

The UK government announced on the 15th (local time) that 78,610 new COVID-19 cases were recorded. This is an increase of nearly 20,000 cases in just one day from the previous day's 59,610.

The rapid spread in the UK is attributed to the Omicron variant. On this day, 4,671 Omicron infections were confirmed, bringing the cumulative total to 10,017 cases.

Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency (HSA), warned, "(Omicron) is the most serious threat we have faced since the pandemic began," adding, "The numbers we will see in the coming days will be quite shocking compared to previous variants."

In London, Omicron has already become the dominant strain, with 3 out of 5 confirmed cases being Omicron infections. A doubling phenomenon, where new cases double every 2 to 3 days, is also being observed in other regions.

In areas where cases are surging, the healthcare system is facing a real crisis. The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations increased from 5,697 a week ago to 7,673 on this day.

Chris Whitty, the UK’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), stated that both Omicron and Delta variants are circulating simultaneously, and predicted, "The worst is yet to come. Hospitalizations will increase significantly after Christmas."

The UK government aims to administer booster shots to all adults by the end of this month to curb the spread of Omicron.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson appealed, "Hospitalization rates are rising nationwide, but among vulnerable groups who have received booster shots, hospitalization rates are decreasing," urging, "All adults aged 18 and over should get their booster shots immediately." However, he ruled out additional lockdowns.

Meanwhile, Europe expects Omicron to become the dominant strain by mid-next year. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated at the European Parliament, "In the UK, Omicron cases are doubling every 2 to 3 days, and it appears to be spreading at the same rate within the EU," forecasting this trend.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.