'Phenomenal' Omicron spread accounts for 40% of London infections

New COVID variant doubling every 2-3 days, says Health Secretary Sajid Javid; get a booster as two vaccines not enough, says UK govt

Britain said on Monday that the Omicron coronavirus variant was spreading at a "phenomenal rate" and now accounted for about 40% of infections in London, so people should get a booster shot because the double-vaccinated are still vulnerable.

Since the first Omicron cases were detected on Nov. 27 in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has imposed tougher restrictions and told the nation on Sunday that a "tidal wave" of Omicron was coming.

Britain says that unless action is taken there could be a million people infected with Omicron by the end of the month.

"It's spreading at a phenomenal