United Kingdom confirms first death due to Omicron variant

Britain has reported what is believed to be the world's first confirmed death due to the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus.

Initial reports of the heavily mutated variant suggested that Omicron caused less severe symptoms and generally mild or asymptomatic versions of the illness, especially as compared with the aggressive Delta strain of the virus.

"Omicron is producing hospitalizations and sadly at least one patient has now been confirmed to have died with Omicron," said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is urging residents get a COVID-19 booster shot. 

"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 recognize the sheer pace at which it accelerates through the population," said the prime minister, who himself suffered from a severe bout of COVID last year.

Johnson has been taking heat in his home country for continuing to introduce pandemic restrictions just as the holiday season kicks into full swing.

"I've been at great pains to stress to the public that we have to watch where the pandemic is going and we take whatever steps are necessary to protect public health," he said, adding that he could not rule out new coronavirus restrictions before Christmas.