covid you're in the uk. 179,756 new cases, compared with hundred 94,747 yesterday. the number of deaths recorded is 231. that compares with 334 on wednesday. there is a bit of fluctuation and catch up after the new year and christmas holiday. still a very high number of cases and deaths sadly linked to covid at the moment you're in the uk. that is reflected right across the world. the head of the world health organization says the huge and rapid rise of covid infections of the 0micron variant is overwhelming the health systems around the world. speaking at a news briefing in geneva, dr tedros adhanom ghebreyesus, warned that 0micron might be producing less severe disease than the delta variant but it should not be described as mild. dr david nabarro is special envoy for the world health organization on covid—19 and joins me now.