As many will now be aware, the first cases of the Omicron variant have been detected in the UK. To help slow down and contain the spread of this new variant, the government is taking a necessary and responsible course of action.
Face coverings will now be compulsory on public transport and in shops. This does not include hospitality.
All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of their vaccination status. They will be contacted by NHS Test & Trace.
All international arrivals entering England must take a day 2 PCR test & self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
In light of this news, we must do all that we can to protect the gains we have all worked so hard for. While we don’t yet exactly know how effective our vaccines will be against Omicron, we have good reasons to believe they will provide at least some measure of protection.
I urge all those eligible to come forward and get their booster jabs to strengthen our collective vaccine shield. I have mine booked for mid-December.
The measures being taken are precautionary and temporary and will be reviewed in three weeks. I continue to hold fortnightly meetings with our local public health officials and will share further updates as I receive them.
