Omicron stokes fear but what does the data say?

The big news this week is that we have a new ‘variant of concern’ on our hands. Omicron is causing a stir but Tim takes a look at the data to see if the hype is real. New variants like omicron make your reports even more important, so we can see what’s really going on and make decisions on data, not fear. If you haven’t already, take a minute to log your symptoms in the ZOE COVID Study app now.

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If you need subtitles, please click the option for subtitles at the bottom right of the video

[markbainbridge]

I find these videos amongst the best available in terms of giving a measured, reflective, informed and analytical approach. Main news outlets want to comment on every twist and turn daily, they rarely give a good overview of where we really are and the potential risks going forward. Professor Spector's calm presentation of the facts as we currently know them is much appreciated.

[richlatham]

Great information as always. Tim Spector's weekly update is my "go to" place to get an informed, balanced view of the pandemic.

[jonathanport]

Good to see you and hear you. You never over reach which is such a pleasure these days. Even the people we all like are all clutching at straws trying to look into the future. And people follow them hoping to have thier views confirmed. Yours is good well balanced stuff.

[thomascook]

Omicron isn’t stoking fear it’s the media

[ireneconnor]

Thank you for your calm reassurance and advice. We are taking lateral flow tests most days over the past week as having to travel to attend hospital appts

[dannylans]

Tim should mention ventilation more than washing hands in crowded spaces and Christmas Parties

[marcdavis]

Good advice on the LFT - my wife recently held her book clubs Christmas get together. All 6 of them ( all triple jabbed) did a LFT on the late afternoon before the event. 👍

[susantomes]

Thank you for this calm, measured and reassuring update. It is greatly appreciated.

[cherieconway]

Thanks for the update, look forward to weekly videos/updates
As a weekly sugarcraft group we have been doing lateral flows prior to our class since September. They are easy to order and report on.

[evasell]

It is so good to listen to you this week as the media confuses regarding the Omicrom variant. To hear a calm, , clear report on facts/data. I had my booster today wish in some sense is a relief, , booked by appointment a few weeks ago. It was hair raising to hear about Omicrom last weekend, but then I thought, , worrying won't achieve anything, and to wait for further information from the scientists/medical experts - Thank you for stating not to panic. Good more people are going to get their boosters, , the centre I was at was very busy with the walk-in's. Thank you for this brief - I shall do the right thing, , wear my mask etc, , as you so recommend.

[timseytiger]

I'm not in UK, but great videos. When you give the weekly stats, it would be interesting to include the relative infinfection rates for vaxed vs non-vaxed in addition to the absolute numbers

[jasonandlynnechambers]

Hi Tim! Glad you are giving us news not hype or fear.

[Pilky-BsMc]

Thanks very much Tim for giving us all the information you have on Omicron 👍. I'll be sure to watch your video on the variant whenever it's uploaded. LFTs before a social event is a great idea & if everyone within the group does one, they'll be protecting eachother & will feel safer around eachother. With lots of Christmas parties currently being cancelled, all doing LFTs instead would also protect them when they visit their families aswell

[TheDarrenJones]

Love these calm, measured videos. I have one comment - the graph colours are difficult to see (I'm colourblind). Any chance of a more colourblind-friendly colourscheme or line style?

[robinmyman]

You and Doc Campbell deserve a knighthood.

[anjim]

Ventilation is not highlighted enough. Most people prefer to keep windows closed forever. A recent survey shows that only a small percentage of people understand that regular ventilation of indoor spaces is essential to reduce transmissability. We need a public health campaign on this, also to explain the symptom changes. But it won't happen. Unfortunately for those who will be infected over Xmas. I hope they avoid hospitalisation and certainly long covid afterwards. It's not a condition I would recommend to anyone!

[janestuart-smith]

As ever, this is a really informative presentation. Very grateful for these updates every week. Just one thing, in your recommendations for what to do, perhaps you could start to recommend good ventilation for indoor meetings. Perhaps it’s difficult to accept that we need ventilation in December - it’s cold! But this is a respiratory virus, it travels through the air which we breathe, and good ventilation is known to be an effective protection.

[djczanzibar]

Thank you for being the voice of calm. The Omnicron has resulted in mass hysteria which is not helpful. It is also not based on the facts. Scientists in South Africa are also sticking to the facts. This is very important.

[andrewwhite]

You give the death rates but how does the ages, vaccinated, unvaccinated numbers break down

[janejames]

Thank you Tim, still the best weekly information about Covid!