NHS told to prepare for 'new and significant threat' of OmicronThe NHS can run 24/7 vaccine clinics and discharge some patients to hotels under plans set out by health leaders. The health service has been put on its highest level of emergency preparedness as it sets itself to tackle the "new and significant" threat posed by the Omicron variant. The health service in England declared a "Level 4 National Incident", which means that trusts will not have autonomy to guide the response in their local areas and central NHS will lead the charge. The letter warns: "Even with the additional protection that vaccine boosters will give, the threat from Omicron remains serious." This includes discharging medically fit patients to hotels and ramping up the use of private hospitals.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 13, 2021 17:20 UTC