Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, has warned the NHS could be “in serious peril” and the variant was “probably the most significant threat we’ve had since the start of the pandemic”. NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard also says there are indications the number of admissions could be “as big or even bigger” than last year.
Giving evidence to MPs on the Commons Transport Committee, Dr Harries said Omicron was spreading faster than previously thought.
She said: “I’m sure the numbers will be quite staggering compared to the rate of growth that we’ve seen in cases for previous variants.”
Research has suggested those hospitalised with Covid continue to suffer persistent symptoms for up to a year.
Some 2,230 patients were surveyed and tested five months after discharge, with 800 repeating the process at 12 months. The study found just 29 percent fully recovered.