UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday said at least one person infected with Omicron had died, as the country stepped up the campaign  for booster shots against the heavily mutated Covid-19 variant.

"Sadly, at least one patient has been confirmed to have died with Omicron," Johnson, who on Sunday warned of a "tidal wave" of infection from the mutation, told reporters.

At least one person in the UK has died with the Omicron variant of Covid-19, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed.

Speaking during a visit to a vaccination clinic in London, Johnson said: "Sadly yes Omicron is producing hospitalisations and sadly at least one patient has been confirmed to have died with Omicron.

He said that the idea that Omicron is a milder version of the virus needs to be set aside and what has to be kept in mind is the sheer pace at which it accelerates through the population.

He also did not to rule out any new coronavirus restrictions being introduced before Christmas.

Boris Johnson had issued a plea to the nation on Sunday evening, warning the public of a "tidal wave of Omicron" that could cause "very many deaths".

The health secretary Sajid Javid said the government is aiming to vaccinate a million people every day, starting this week, if the UK is to reach another ambitious target of having offered all eligible over 18s a booster jab before the end of the year.

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