Key findings on severity of Omicron variant in UK to be published today

Key data on the severity of the Omicron variant in the UK is to be published today, which could inform decisions on further restrictions.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will release its analysis on the new strain, along with findings on how it impacts the effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines.

The research comes following two studies released on Wednesday (22 December) which revealed that Omicron is less likely to cause hospitalisation than the Delta variant.

Omicron causes ‘milder’ disease

A study by Imperial College London found that people infected with Omicron are 15 to 20% less likely to need hospital treatment compared with Delta, while those who have had Covid-19 before are 50 to 60% less likely to be hospitalised.

However, researchers warned that the severity of Omicron may be offset by the “reduced efficacy” of vaccines to stop it being transmitted.

Another study from a team in Scotland also found Omicron appears to cause milder disease, after findings showed the variant lowers the risk of hospital admission by two-thirds compared to Delta.

While the findings are positive, the Covid-19 incident director for Public Health Scotland warned it is “important we don’t get ahead of ourselves”.

Dr Jim McMenamin said: “The potentially serious impact of Omicron on a population cannot be underestimated.

“And a smaller proportion of a much greater number of cases that might ultimately require treatment can still mean a substantial number of people who may experience severe

“Covid infections that could lead to potential hospitalisation.”