A MAP has revealed how the Covid Omicron variant is spreading across the UK - and how the the North East compares.

The map, based on figures from the UK Health Security Agency, has been updated and shows how an increasing number of Omicron cases are being confirmed.

It comes as booster jab was this week made available to all over 18s in England as cases hit an all time high in the UK for the second day running.

Read more: Over 18s invited to book boosters as NHS ramps up vaccination programme

Meanwhile an ONS poll released today, revealed more than a third of Brits do not believe life will return to normal within a year.

The Northern Echo: Picture: PAPicture: PA

The figures from the UKHSA show how 10,740 Omicron cases were confirmed across the country as of December 15, 2021.

The highest number of S-gene target failure, also known as Omicron, cases have so far been recorded in London with 4,096.

Meanwhile, the lowest area was the Yorkshire and Humber region - including North Yorkshire - has seen just 158 reported.

See how the North East compares

(Click on each area to see how many Omicron cases have been reported)

The map revealed how the North East has seen the 7th highest cumulative confirmed Omicron cases with a total of 385 across all council areas.

Due to its geographical size, England has historically seen the highest number of confirmed variant cases with hundreds of local authority areas.

How the four nations compare 

England - 10,740

Northern Ireland - 210

Scotland - 663

Wales - 95 

However, it shows how England is fast approaching 11,000 confirmed Omicron cases - a significant jump in just a matter of days.

Earlier this week, the LA7, which represents seven local authorities in the North East (County Durham, Sunderland, Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Newcastle and Northumberland) said Omicron remained a serious threat.

'Get your booster'

They said: "The emergence of the highly transmissible Omicron variant poses a serious threat to our communities.

"The number of confirmed cases is doubling roughly every two days, and in reality, it is probably spreading at an even quicker rate than that.

"The message from the experts and scientists who have guided us through the pandemic is clear: get your booster.

"Vaccines have played an essential role in allowing us to live without restrictions for many months. They have eased the pressure on the NHS and social care, and they have saved countless lives.

"The indication is that vaccines, and specifically the ramping up of the booster programme, offer our best chance of preventing Omicron spiralling out of control."

On Friday, some 39 percent of adults do not expect life to be back to normal for at least 12 months, according to the Office for National Statistics.

It said this is more than twice the proportion (18%) in December 2020.

The ONS analysed responses from 3,276 adults in Britain between December 1 and 12 as part of its Opinions and Lifestyle survey on the social impacts of Covid-19.

Read more: Stanley Travel sees 22 bookings cancelled in ONE day over Covid Omicron fears

It comes as the Government was last night urged tostep in and help the hospitality and bus and coach sectors after being accused of "mixed messages."

County Durham businesses are suffering

County Durham based, Stanley Travel hit back at the Government for a "lack of support," claiming they'd seen almost 100 cancellations since Plan B rules were brought in.

In response, a spokesperson for the Department of Transport said: "We know this will be a difficult time for bus and coach operators, and will continue to provide support, including the ongoing £1.5bn of emergency funding for the bus sector.

“We’re also committed to ensuring passengers feel safe on public transport by providing clear advice, and constantly updating our Safer Travel Guidance to help operators advise their customers.”

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