News on Omicron variant

New variant information: Winter 2021

There is a new variant of Covid-19 called Omicron, that appears to be more infectious than the current variant.
Therefore new, temporary guidelines are now in place. From the 30th November:

• You must wear a face covering in shops and on public transport. They are not yet compulsory in hospitality settings.
• All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate for 10 days, even if they are fully vaccinated. They will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
• All international arrivals must take a PCR test on their 2nd day in the country, and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
• In schools, staff, visitors, and pupils in Year 7 and above should wear masks in communal areas in schools, unless they are exempt.

You will be called by NHS Test & Trace if you are identified as a contact of a suspected Omicron case.

It is very important to:

• Open windows a few times a day so that fresh air will blow Covid-19 and other virus particles away. You only need to open the window a small amount for it to work.
• Wash your hands with soap and water more often that you normally would, and whenever you come home from being out.
• Wear a face covering when on public transport and in shops. This is again required by the Government at this moment.
• Avoid mixing closely with people outside your family or social unit, and if you must, make sure you do a rapid LFD test before, that way you will know that you aren’t passing the virus on to them.
• Make sure you and your family got for their 1st, 2nd, and booster vaccinations as soon as they can. It’s protecting you and your community if everyone gets vaccinated.