Britain battles Omicron 'tidal wave,' as infections double every two to three days and first death from variant is recorded

Britain is facing a "tidal wave" of infections from the new Omicron coronavirus variant, ministers have warned, as they sound the alarm on rapid transmission rates in London and across the country.

On Monday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the country's first death of a person with the variant.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said on Monday that there were 4,713 confirmed cases of Omicron in the UK, adding that the current number of daily infections is estimated to be around 200,000.

"While Omicron represents over 20% of cases in England,...