Many of you will have already heard about the ‘Omicron’ variant of Covid-19 which last week was classed as a ‘variant of concern’ by the World Health Organisation.
Over the weekend, the Government followed this up by setting out the national response to the variant with a few changes to existing Covid-19 guidance and restrictions.
The main changes are:
- Contacts of those who test positive with the suspected Omicron variant will need to self-isolate for ten days, regardless of their vaccination status.
- Face coverings on public transport and in shops will be compulsory from tomorrow, Tuesday 30 November. Staff and students are also strongly advised to wear face coverings in communal areas in secondary schools.
- The booster vaccine will be rolled out to all over-18s, three months after their second dose.
- Anyone entering the UK will need to take a PCR test by the second day after their arrival and to self-isolate until they have a negative result.
- More countries have been added to the government’s ‘red list’ (Red list of countries and territories).
Understandably, news of a new variant and changes to government guidance and restrictions will be a cause for concern, but the best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones remains the same:
Get vaccinated – whether it is for your first, second or booster dose. Book online.
Wear a mask in public spaces – this will be mandatory in shops and on public transport from tomorrow, Tuesday 30 November, and strongly advised for communal areas in secondary schools.
Get tested – if you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is positive, get a PCR test. If you have no symptoms, get a rapid lateral flow test. 1 in 3 of us who have the virus don’t show any symptoms.
Like with any new variant, we don’t yet know everything about it and there is a need to reduce the spread to allow scientists time to find out more – and allow those who have not yet got their vaccine or booster jab time to do so.
I’d like to say a huge thank you to all 221,000 of you who have come forward for your vaccine and continue to come forward for your second jab and booster doses. Thank you also to everyone for continuing to follow the latest guidance and for testing regularly.
We have all played a part in the great progress we’ve made, but Covid-19 is still with us and we must remain vigilant and continue to follow the guidance to keep Tower Hamlets safe and protect our loved ones.
Stay safe,
Mayor John Biggs