“It’s easy to talk about a doubling time of two days but when you begin to see that in action and the effect of it, then the picture will be to many people a surprising one as it builds up and that’s our concern. The situation is moving really rapidly, I think people are likely to be surprised by the speed at which Omicron cases will increase. As always, ministers will need to take account of both of those factors in terms of any decisions that might be required. Prof Young continued: “CMO and myself are acutely aware not only of the impact of restrictions on the transmission of the virus, but also the harmful effect of restrictions on society more broadly. He said: “Those are the things we really must focus on, as to whether or not those measures will be sufficient, I think it is reasonable given the current growth to be concerned that additional measures, potentially significantly additional measures, may be required.” Sir Michael said the public must now play its part in reducing the impact of the Omicron wave by getting vaccinated or getting their booster dose, wearing face coverings, limiting social contacts, and meeting up outdoors where possible. However, if it turns out Omicron results in illness as severe as that caused by Delta, it could see the Executive taking emergency action to put in place further restrictions just days before Christmas. Until then, he said it is impossible to predict the severity of the Omicron wave or rule out further restrictions. Prof Young said data is expected next week which will provide a clearer picture on the possible number of people who will be hospitalised with Omicron, which is now believed to have a doubling time of two days. The rise - up from 12 on Tuesday - is down to an increase in community transmission and a change in the definition across the UK, which means that cases previously recorded as highly probable are automatically recorded as confirmed.
Yesterday, the Public Health Agency revealed the number of confirmed Omicron cases in Northern Ireland had reached 151. “At this time, we still don’t have some key elements of information, such as the number of people who get Omicron who end up in hospital, but I have to say I am more concerned at this stage than I have been at any stage in the pandemic.” Speaking at a briefing with the media yesterday, Sir Michael said: “I think there is cause for very significant concern. It comes as Chief Medical Officer Sir Michael McBride warned “potentially significant additional measures” may be required to reduce the impact of the impending Omicron wave. Professor Ian Young said he expects Omicron to become the dominant variant before the end of the year and it is likely case numbers will peak by the middle of next month. Northern Ireland’s predicted Omicron peak could see hospital pressures “several times worse” than those experienced last winter, Stormont’s Chief Scientific Adviser has said.
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