UK: CMOs Raise COVID Alert Level To 4 As Omicron Cases Rise

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Yesterday saw the biggest one-day jump in Omicron cases to date in the UK (see above), and while dramatic, this likely only represents the tip of the iceberg. With estimates that Omicron is doubling every 2 to 3 days, is it believed it is only a matter of days before it becomes the dominant variant in the UK. 

While the severity of Omicron infection remains a matter of considerable debate, the immediate concern is a big enough wave - even of a milder virus - could overwhelm the NHS.

With diminished protection from the initial two-jab COVID vaccine regimen, the UK is banking on the added protection of the booster shot, which they hope to roll out to every adult in the country before the end of the year. 

As part of this campaign, yesterday the UK raised their COVID alert level from 3 to 4 (out of 5), in a press release (below) signed by the CMOs of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland along with the National Medical Director of the NHS.

First the press release, then I'll have a bit more after the break. 

UK coronavirus (COVID-19) alert level increased from Level 3 to Level 4

Following advice from the UK Health Security Agency and in the light of the rapid increase in Omicron cases, the UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England National Medical Director have recommended to ministers that the UK COVID-19 alert level should increase from Level 3 to Level 4.

From:Department of Health and Social Care Published 12 December 2021

Transmission of COVID-19 is already high in the community, mainly still driven by Delta, but the emergence of Omicron adds additional and rapidly increasing risk to the public and healthcare services.

Early evidence shows that Omicron is spreading much faster than Delta and that vaccine protection against symptomatic disease from Omicron is reduced. Data on severity will become clearer over the coming weeks but hospitalisations from Omicron are already occurring and these are likely to increase rapidly.

When vaccine protection is reduced in the way that is happening with Omicron it is essential to top up that protection with a booster. Both booster vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) increase the immune response substantially and show good effectiveness although with some reduction compared to Delta.

The NHS is currently under pressure mainly driven by non-COVID-19 pressures. With a variant spreading with increased transmissibility and reduced vaccine effectiveness, we are likely to see this pressure rise soon.

It is extremely important that if you are eligible, you get your COVID-19 vaccination now – whether this be your first, second or booster dose.

People should continue take sensible precautions including ventilating rooms, using face coverings, testing regularly and isolating when symptomatic.

Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty

Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Professor Sir Michael McBride

Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, Professor Gregor Smith

Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton

NHS England National Medical Director, Professor Stephen Powis

On Sunday, beleaguered Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a televised address (see video below), where warned that a `Tidal Wave' of Omicron coming, and announced plans to get every adult jabbed by the end of December.

Already this morning the NHS is tweeting that their booking system for COVID booster and initial shots is under pressure due to high demand, so the `Get Boosted' message appears to be resonating with at least some of the population. 

 

All of this comes as the UK - and the rest of Europe - are already under immense pressure from the Delta variant.  It was just one month ago we looked at NHS England: Record 999 Calls & Most A&E Visits For Month Of October.

Between the arrival of Omicron, and the added threat of influenza's return after 18 months, it wouldn't take much to put the NHS over the edge. 

How big of a threat Omicron really adds is something we won't know with certainty until it has been here for awhile.  Luckily for the rest of the world, the impending Omicron wave in the UK and Denmark - both known for excellent surveillance and reporting -  should give us a few weeks warning of what to expect. 

Stay tuned.