December 14

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that at least one person has died with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, as cases continue to surge.

The prime minister urged people on Monday to recognize the "sheer pace" at which the new variant "accelerates through the population." He stressed the importance of receiving a booster shot of coronavirus vaccines.

Johnson also noted that Omicron now makes up about 40 percent of all new coronavirus cases in London and will soon be the dominant strain of the virus.

The total number of Omicron cases in Britain soared to 4,713 as of Monday.

British health authorities say 10 people have been hospitalized with Omicron in England, the majority of whom received two doses of vaccines.

The British government say two doses of coronavirus vaccines are not enough to protect against Omicron. It is urging all eligible people aged 18 or older to get their booster jabs by the end of this month.

The government has also tightened anti-virus restrictions in an effort to curb the spread of the new variant, requiring people to wear masks at many indoor facilities.

NHK