First Omicron death confirmed in U.K. as PM warns of "tidal wave" of infections

London — At least one person has died from the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus in the U.K., Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. The death was confirmed as Johnson warned of a looming "tidal wave" of Omicron infections, with cases doubling every two to three days across Britain. 

As the Delta variant continues to drive up coronavirus infections in the United States, Britain has now shifted its focus to Omicron, which officials warn is spreading at a "phenomenal rate." 

The U.K. re-imposed some restrictions on Monday in a bid to slow Omicron's spread and give scientists time to find out just how much more transmissible it is, how successful it will be at evading current vaccines, and whether it is any more severe than previous variants. Britons are now being asked to work from home and wear masks in many public settings. The government is still considering a possible requirement for anyone entering large venues, like concert halls or nightclubs, to prove their vaccination or COVID test status.