The Prime Minister has today confirmed new temporary and
precautionary measures following the emergence of the Omicron
variant in the UK.
The Omicron variant contains a large number of spike protein
mutations as well as mutations in other parts of the viral
genome. Urgent work is ongoing internationally to fully
understand how these mutations may change the behaviour of the
virus with regards to vaccines, treatments and transmissibility.
Vaccines remain our best line of defence. Experts remain
confident that our current vaccines will provide protection
against the new variant, but the extent of this continues to be
investigated.
Over 16 million people have already come forward for their
booster jabs, and we have seen a fall in hospitalisations and
deaths. All adults who have not yet received their first or
second dose of the vaccine, or those who are eligible for their
booster are encouraged to come forward to help protect themselves
and others.
Targeted measures will be introduced from next week as a
precaution to slow down the spread of the variant while we gather
more information. These are:
- All international arrivals must take a Day 2 PCR test and
self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
- All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate,
regardless of their vaccination status. They will be contacted by
NHS Test and Trace.
- Face coverings will be made compulsory in shops and on public
transport from next week. All hospitality settings will be
exempt.
- Six million booster jabs will be available in England alone
over the next three weeks, and the Health Secretary has today
asked the JCVI to consider rapidly extending boosters, as well as
reducing the gap between the second dose and booster.
Two cases of the Omicron variant were today identified in Essex
and Nottingham. Targeted testing and contact tracing is now
underway.
Early indications suggest this variant may be more transmissible
than the Delta variant and current vaccines may be less effective
against it. A rapid rise in infections in South Africa has been
attributed to the spread of this new variant of COVID-19.
International efforts are now underway to gather as much data and
information as possible about this new variant, with more
detailed information expected over the next three weeks. It is
due to South Africa’s extensive surveillance system and
transparency that the UK has been able to have early warning of
this new variant and begin collecting data.
Travel restrictions have already been implemented to slow the
spread of the variant and protect our borders. From 04:00 Sunday
28 November South Africa, Botswana, Lesostho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe
and Namibi, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Angola will be added
to the UK’s travel red list.
The vaccination programme and test, trace and isolate system
continue to be the most effective way of reducing transmission,
along with practicing good hygiene, keeping spaces well
ventilated, and wearing a face covering in enclosed or crowded
spaces.
The UKHSA continues to monitor the situation closely, in
partnership with scientific and public health organisations
across the world. The UK government thanks the government of
South Africa for its surveillance of this variant and its
transparency.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Further detail on the regulations will be set out early next
week.
- Ministers and officials are speaking to their counterparts in
the Devolved Administrations and will continue to co-ordinate
with them.
- Specialised molecular testing will be used determine
probable cases of the Omicron variant. Where molecular testing
indicates a probable Omicron case, the contact tracing system
will be informed
