Omicron: UK cases increase 50% in 24 hours – with 86 new reported cases

Another 86 cases of the Omicron variant of Covid have been confirmed in the UK – that’s a 50% increase on the total number reported as of yesterday – with leading scientists warning that new restrictions have come too late to stop any potential new wave of the virus.

And hospital leaders say the NHS could be in a very difficult position if there’s a surge in admissions.