At least one coronavirus patient infected with the Omicron variant has now died, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed.

It comes as the new strain spreads rapidly across the UK – despite new restrictions attempting to reduce its impact.

Scientists had suggested that Omicron could be a milder version of Covid-19 – but the news will increase anxiety that the more infectious variant could also cause serious illness and further fatalities.

Speaking during a visit to a vaccination clinic near Paddington in west London, the Prime Minister said: ‘Sadly, yes, Omicron is producing hospitalisations and sadly at least one patient has been confirmed to have died with Omicron.

‘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.’

Due to the lag between infection, serious illness, hospitalisation and death, there has so far been limited data about how serious Omicron symptoms would be.

But early indications from South Africa had suggested it could be milder than other strains, like Delta, despite scientists now being increasingly confident that it is far more infectious.

It came after Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the Government will ‘throw everything at’ the Covid booster programme to tackle Omicron.

GPs will only focus on urgent needs and vaccinations for the next few weeks.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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