A health worker closes the door of an ambulance outside the Royal London Hospital, amid the COVID-19 pandemic in London, Britain, on January 7, 2022. (Photo by Reuters)

London, January 19 (RHC)-- Britain has recorded 438 new deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily toll since last February, as the coronavirus' Omicron variant spreads fast across Europe.  Tuesday saw a further 94,432 infections recorded across the UK.  On Monday, the UK had reported 84,249 COVID cases and 85 deaths.

The surge comes as the country considers relaxing measures introduced to reduce the spread of the fast-moving Omicron variant.  Health Minister Sajid Javid earlier told British lawmakers he was optimistic that COVID-19 measures introduced to reduce the spread of Omicron would be scaled back next week.

The government is considering phasing out remaining pandemic restrictions, including working from home guidance and the use of vaccine passports.  Britain has reported 152,513 deaths from COVID-19 in total, the seventh highest death toll in the world, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson coming under intense pressure over the handling of the pandemic.

The developments also come as opposition parties are upping pressure on Johnson to quit over the Downing Street parties scandal. Others are stepping up pressure on colleagues to submit letters of no confidence in the prime minister.