London, Thanasis Gavos
Scientists in the United Kingdom estimate that the incidence of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in the country doubles at least every three days.
Professor Neil Ferguson of Imperial College London, on whose computer models many attribute the decision to the first lockdown in England, said: “Analysis of existing PCR data in the English community indicates a doubling time of at least three days. or less “
Health Minister Sajid Javid on Monday confirmed that 336 cases of the new variant detected in the country had risen to 336. »Of the territory.
However, many scientists believe that the actual number of cases is in the thousands and that due to the increased transmissibility it is a matter of weeks and not months of the Omicron variant to surpass the Delta variant and become dominant in the United Kingdom.
As Mr. Javid pointed out, it remains unknown whether the new variant causes a serious illness and whether it escapes the defense of vaccines. However, it is believed that none of the 336 Omicron operators have needed treatment so far.
On the other hand, NHS health officials warn that even if it causes mild symptoms, the increased transmission of Omicron will lead to a large number of cases, some of which will inevitably require hospitalization, intensifying the pressure on hospitals in the difficult winter. period.
Meanwhile, Professor Tim Spector of King’s College London, behind the Covid symptom recording app called ZOE, warned that even one in three cases considered to be a simple cold is due to the coronavirus. He called on the British people to stay home even if they have only a mild congestion, in order to avoid transmitting the coronavirus unknowingly.
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