COVID-19: With cases declining, is this the end of Omicron in the UK?

The UK reported 141,472 cases of the coronavirus, yesterday, 9 January. This is the fifth consecutive day the nation has recorded a decline in cases.

Omicron on a steady decline

As it stands currently, no new restrictions are set to be introduced for Brits, as has been observed by other governments around the world in an attempt at curbing the spread of the virus.

In most recent developments, lateral flow tests (LFTs) will remain free for all Britons as the government has ordered another 100,000 units to maintain massive testing.

Coupled with booster shots (including a potential fourth vaccine), health experts are now suggesting that the end of Omicron's tight grip on the UK is near. Dr Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia and an adviser to the WHO explains that:

I think it's beginning to look quite hopeful, but we've been here in the past.The worst case scenarios that were being talked about before Christmas by the SAGE modellers aren't coming to pass, fortunately.

Fewer people dying and requiring hospitalisation

When it comes to the number of people dying or those requiring further medical attention, it is also looking promising in the UK, with figures showing a considerable reduction in severe cases. Dr Hunter further said:

I think the [number of hospitalisations and deaths] are going to be falling a long way below the worst case scenarios that were being talked about before Christmas. In England we peaked at around 3,800 - 4,000 hospitalisations a day, on average, a year ago, but we will probably peak around 2,000 this winter.