Future Covid variants could be ‘more lethal’ than Omicron - says virologist

Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist from Warwick University, has said that future Covid variants could be “more lethal” and have “more long-term consequences.”

Speaking to the Observer, Professor Young said: "The idea that virus variants will continue to get milder is wrong."

The World Health Organisation’s David Nabarro has also said "There will be more variants after Omicron and if they are more transmissible they will dominate.

"In addition, they may cause different patterns of illness, in other words they may turn out to be more lethal or have more long-term consequences.

"The pandemic has a long way to go and – as is the case since it started – people and their leaders will influence its long-term impact through actions they take now."

Asked if there was evidence to back up plans to relax all Covid restrictions in England, the Prime Minister said it was “clear” Omicron is less dangerous than previous variants.

On a visit to Scotland, Boris Johnson told reporters: “I think the situation with Covid is that numbers remain high, but it’s clear that Omicron is much less dangerous than the Delta.

“You can see the numbers going down in hospitals, numbers in ICU have been nothing like what we saw with Delta.

“I think we’re on the right lines and together we’ve been taking roughly the same strategy.

“I know people make a lot of small differences. I understand that completely. But, overall, the UK has really been working very, very effectively together on testing, which is important. We’ll make sure we continue to work with our colleagues in Scotland.”

Asked if testing will remain free, Mr Johnson added: “We will continue to work with our colleagues in Scotland, but I believe the similarities in our approach vastly outweigh the differences.”