COVID-19: Omicron 'exit wave' possible in the summer, scientists say

Early data has shown Omicron to be a milder form of COVID-19, but that does not mean everyone can relax as hospital admissions are yet to peak, the scientists say

A wave of Omicron cases is possible over the summer as people resume social activities and the effect of the vaccines wanes, according to scientists advising the government.

Experts from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said the precise timing and magnitude of the "exit wave" is "highly dependent on both population behaviour and the scale of the current wave, and cannot be predicted with any certainty".

According to modelling, the projection is for between fewer than 1,000 admissions each day in the next wave to about 2,000 each day, if plan B restrictions remain in place until the end of January and are followed by a gradual return to socialising.

Omicron has shown itself to be a milder form of COVID-19, with those admitted to hospital less likely to need oxygen and less likely to require intensive care, early data suggests.