Omicron may be milder, but it poses an equally lethal threat to healthcare systems as any previous variants before it. The other danger is if the public holds onto this “milder” narrative, there is a risk that some people may become complacent about regular lateral flow testing, mask-wearing and ventilating indoor spaces..

ANALYSIS: SMALLER PROPORTION OF PEOPLE HOSPITALISED WITH COVID VARIANT MEANS LITTLE WHEN RISE IN INFECTIONS IS SO HUGE, WARN EXPERTS.

Evidence that infections caused by Omicron may be less severe than other Covid variants is good news but is likely to make little or no difference to the duration of the pandemic, according to experts.