Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab managed to get the figures on Omicron hospitalisations wrong in not one but two TV interviews today – leading officials to speak out and correct the record.
Speaking to Sky News this morning, Raab said there were 250 people in hospital with the new Covid-19 variant.
He then went on to the BBC and said that there were nine people hospitalised with Omicron.
In both cases, he got the numbers wrong – in fact, there are actually 10 people currently in hospital with the new variant.
Officials have since gone on the record to say that Raab ‘misspoke’ on both occasions.
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Dominic Raab tells #KayBurley that 250 people are in hospital with the Omicron variant.
After Raab was challenged by broadcaster Adil Ray on GMB. who gave him a third opportunity to put the right figure on the record following the morning’s confusion, he accused him of ‘ranting’ at him.
Raab had earlier told Sky‘s Kay Burley that ‘a significant number’ were hospitalised, but was unable to quote any exact figures when being interviewed by her.
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When she pressed him for an answer, he said: “Well the last I saw was in the low hundreds, I think 250 the last time I looked – but of course, the data is being updated all of the time.”
Within the hour, though, he had revised that figure down to just nine in time for his appearance on BBC Breakfast.
“I know we’ve had one death,” he said. “I think we’ve got nine people who are in hospital with it.”
In both instances, Raab was incorrect – as officials later confirmed, stating that there are still only 10 people in hospital as Sajid Javid had told Sky News the day prior.
It is correct, however, that one person in the country has sadly died as a result of contracting Omicron.
Raab later attempted to justify his mistake on Sky News to GMB on the basis of ‘mishearing’ a question.
Feature image – ITV
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Georgina Pellant -
14th December 2021 
