The UK has recorded its first death with the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the news on Monday, telling reporters: "Omicron is producing hospitalisations and sadly at least one patient has been confirmed to have died with Omicron.”
He added that the strain now represents about 40% of coronavirus cases in London and "tomorrow it'll be the majority of the cases" in the capital.
"So I think the idea that this is somehow a milder version of the virus, I think that's something we need to set on one side and just recognise the sheer pace at which it accelerates through the population.
"So the best thing we can do is all get our boosters," he added.
Latest data shows that 10 cases of the Omicron variant have been confirmed in Ireland.
The Department of Health confirmed that they were detected through genome sequencing.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan added that “a number of probable cases are under investigation.”
He explained that although there is much uncertainty around the new strain, public health officials are confident the booster will protect people against it.
The latest data from South Africa, where the variant was first detected, suggests that the new strain is not as severe as previous variants - but experts are stressing that it is too early to make any final judgement as to how exactly it will behave amongst the population.
It comes as thousands of people continue to attend walk-in centres to avail of booster vaccines.
People over 50 and healthcare workers are currently eligible to receive the extra jabs.
The HSE is understood to be developing plans that will extend the programme to 40 to 49-year-olds shortly.
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