Although scientists claim the new variant of the virus is safer, December saw a triple-digit increase in hospital visits in London.
As the Omicron virus of coronavirus spread rapidly across Britain, the number of hospital admissions in London more than tripled between December and January.
Data published on Tuesday evening on the UK government’s Covid-19 dashboard, shows that London’s hospitals have been put under increased pressure due to the arrival of the Omicron variant, despite scientists saying it is less virulent.
At the start of December, around 100 people were admitted to hospital per day. However, that number grew to 364 by Christmas Day and 374 by Boxing Day.
In total, there are 3,024 patients suffering from Covid-19 in London’s hospitals and 216 on mechanical ventilation. The capital accounts for a disproportionate number of the country’s Covid-19 hospitalizations, with a total of 8,240 hospitalized across the UK.
Although there has not been an increase in hospitalizations nationally, data from the country are not available. However, national hospitalization statistics have not changed since December 20th.
The Times reported Wednesday that hospitals might have to stop providing non-urgent care due to the increasing number of Covid-19-infected patients. Also, staff may lose their ability to isolate themselves after being infected or exposed.
London is home to some of the highest vaccination rates. A third of Londoners have not been fully inoculated against coronavirus.
Recent weeks have seen the Omicron version of Covid-19 sweep through the UK. This has led to record infection rates, as well as new restrictions in Wales (Northern Ireland) and Scotland. It is believed to be less dangerous than other strains, according to scientists.
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