Omicron variant in the U.K. has 50 to 70 per cent less hospitalizations

The omicron variant of the coronavirus is less likely to land patients in hospital in comparison with delta.

A patient with omicron is between 31 and 45 per cent less likely to attend hospital compared to someone with Delta, and 50 to 70 per cent less likely to be admitted.

Preliminary data published by Britain's public health agency suggests that people with the omicron variant of the coronavirus are between 50 and 70 per cent less likely to end up in hospital than those with the delta variant. The U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cautioned that its analysis was "preliminary and highly uncertain" due to the small number of omicron patients in hospitals and the fact that most were in younger age groups.

'Encouraging'

Nevertheless, UKHSA Chief Executive Jenny Harries said it was "an encouraging early signal that people who contract the omicron variant may be at a relatively lower risk of hospitalization than those who contract other variants." "However, it should be noted both that this is early data and more research is required to confirm these findings," she said. The findings are consistent with recent studies from Imperial College, London. Research conducted in South Africa, where the variant was first detected, has also suggested omicron might be milder than first feared.

Transmission rates still cause concern

Scientists have warned that although omicron might be less severe, the fact it spreads so quickly could mean it will still overwhelm health systems faster than the delta variant. The UKHSA also warned of reinfections with omicron, suggesting the variant can circumnavigate antibodies built up through either vaccination or among those who have previously contracted COVID-19.

Initial data showed 9.5 per cent of omicron cases were among those who had already been infected with the coronavirus before. All eyes are firmly focused on the U.K. currently, where omicron is rife and COVID cases have surged by more than 50 per cent in the last week. Britain reported almost 120,000 cases on December 23, a record-high since the virus first emerged there almost two years ago.

jsi/aw (AP, Reuters)