Covid 19 omicron UK
The Covid 19 omicron variant was identified in South Africa and has since been detected in more than 20 countries. Although world leaders have urged people not to panic, here in the UK Cases of omicron more than doubled in the UK on Friday. This was after a further 75 infections were detected in England, 16 in Scotland, and the first in Wales. As it stands, there remain no confirmed instances of the new Covid variant in Northern Ireland.
What is the Omicron variant?
First identified in Botswana and South Africa, this new variant of Covid19 has prompted concern among scientists and public health officials. This is because of an unusually high number of mutations that have the potential to make the virus more transmissible. Also, there is wide concern that the existing vaccine might not protect against it. The World Health Organization has called Omicron a ‘variant of concern’ and warned that the global risks posed by it were ‘very high’.
Will the Omicron COVID-19 variant show up on at-home tests?
Like most PCR tests, the at-home kits cannot determine if someone is infected with the Omicron variant specifically. However, they will turn positive for anyone infected with any version of the virus. In the UK, between a third and a half of labs – but not all – have the required technology to detect suspected Omicron cases. That means some parts of the country may identify more Omicron cases more quickly.
COVID-19 Omicron key symptoms
Over time, viruses change and develop into new versions, and these are called variants. The Omicron variant has key symptoms such as:
- Fatigue – Extreme tiredness
- Body aches and pains
- Headache
- Scratchy throat but no cough
In terms of testing, the new variant will show as positive on the existing lateral flow and PCR at-home tests.
For more information regarding the new variant visit the .Gov page here