THE UK’s daily Covid cases have fallen by 50 per cent on from a month ago.
New cases from the last 24 hours stand at 44,017, compared to 92,592 on February 2.
Deaths – while still tragic – have also plummeted from a month ago, down to 74 from 552.
Covid is still spreading throughout the UK, but is far less dangerous than it once was.
Omicron is milder – especially in the vaccinated – and leaves the majority of people with cold-like symptoms.
However, it won’t be mild for all so Brits have been encouraged to keep up with their vaccines and avoid spreading the bug if they know they have it.
People who had Omicron over Christmas are now eligible to get their top-up dose.
Before now, they would have been warned that a vaccine dose shouldn’t be given until 90 days after Covid illness.
BA.2 – dubbed Omicron’s “stealth sister” sub-variant – has now become the dominant strain.
Although just as mild, it spreads an estimated 30 to 60 per cent faster than the original Omicron (BA.1).
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor for the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “We now know that BA.2 has an increased growth rate which can be seen in all regions in England.
“We have also learnt that BA.2 has a slightly higher secondary attack rate than BA.1 in households.
“Although hospitalisations and deaths remain low, cases are still high in some areas and some age groups so it’s important that we continue to act cautiously as restrictions are lifted.
“Consider wearing a face covering when in crowded places. Take a vaccine to protect yourself against Covid-19. If you have any symptoms, take a test.”
Yesterday it was confirmed care home workers will no longer be forced to be double jabbed from March 15.
The Health Secretary confirmed the regulations will be revoked this month.
Under previous plans thousands of workers would have been forced out of work if they refused to have the jab.
It comes as ministers have declared the pandemic all but over, as Covid rules on isolation and testing have been scrapped.
The country is now learning to live with the virus – with Brits encouraged, but not enforced, to get the vaccines.
