UK sets new record for Covid-19 cases as Omicron sweeps London

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Britain reported another day of record Covid-19 cases, with new estimates showing swathes of London's population are carrying the virus, underlining the relentless advance of the Omicron variant.

Omicron's rapid spread has driven a surge in cases over the last seven days, especially in the capital.

Around 1 in 20 Londoners likely had Covid-19 on Dec 16 and early estimates — which could yet be revised — suggest this may have risen to 1 in 10 on Sunday, models from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed.

Many industries and transport networks are struggling with staff shortages as sick workers self-isolate, while hospitals in Britain have warned of the risk of an impact on patient safety.

A shopper wearing a face mask against the ongoing pandemic carries his bags after leaving a department store in Oxford Street on Christmas Eve in London on Dec 24. — AP
A shopper wearing a face mask against the ongoing pandemic carries his bags after leaving a department store in Oxford Street on Christmas Eve in London on Dec 24. — AP

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