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Covid live: PM announces new measures after two cases of Omicron variant detected in UK Covid live: PM announces new measures after two cases of Omicron variant detected in UK
(33 minutes later)
Masks mandatory in shops and on public transport; PCR tests reintroduced for travellers to UKMasks mandatory in shops and on public transport; PCR tests reintroduced for travellers to UK
Face coverings will become compulsory in shops and on public transport in the UK from “next week”, a statement from 10 Downing Street said.
The statement said: “Face coverings will be made compulsory in shops and on public transport from next week.
“All hospitality settings will be exempt.”
Two new cases of the Omicron variant have been found in the German state of Bavaria, Reuters reports.
The press conference has now concluded.
On whether younger people should now be vaccinated as in other countries such as the US, Prof Whitty said the JCVI is looking into it.
Sir Patrick Vallance has added that boosters will give high enough antibody coverage, which should be sufficient.
Also vaccine manufacturers are devising “broader vaccines” that are effective against potential new variants. And two companies have said they can tweak existing vaccines against the new variant “in about 100 days”.
On reasons to be more optimistic about dealing with the new variant, Sir Patrick Vallance said we now have a “changeable platform” for vaccines” and antiviral drugs coming along compared with a few months ago.On reasons to be more optimistic about dealing with the new variant, Sir Patrick Vallance said we now have a “changeable platform” for vaccines” and antiviral drugs coming along compared with a few months ago.
In response to a question about why he is not implementing further plan B measures such as telling people to work from home, Johnson cited the differences between the Delta and Omicron variant and its approach to “slow the seeding” through the border measures being introduced, accelerating the booster programme and giving scientists more time to understand the variant.In response to a question about why he is not implementing further plan B measures such as telling people to work from home, Johnson cited the differences between the Delta and Omicron variant and its approach to “slow the seeding” through the border measures being introduced, accelerating the booster programme and giving scientists more time to understand the variant.
Johnson has clarified that people must now wear face covering in shops and public transport with the health secretary to provide more details.Johnson has clarified that people must now wear face covering in shops and public transport with the health secretary to provide more details.
On the new variant, Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser, said: “The reason this one is worrying is the combination of transmissibility and the potential for some degree of escape from vaccines because of the number of changes.”On the new variant, Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser, said: “The reason this one is worrying is the combination of transmissibility and the potential for some degree of escape from vaccines because of the number of changes.”
Johnson insists the UK is in a much stronger position, largely due to the vaccine and booster rollout.Johnson insists the UK is in a much stronger position, largely due to the vaccine and booster rollout.
On the ramifications for Christmas plans, he said he is “absolutely confident” that this year’s Christmas will be considerably better than last year’s festive period.On the ramifications for Christmas plans, he said he is “absolutely confident” that this year’s Christmas will be considerably better than last year’s festive period.
Johnson acknowledges: “We don’t know how effective our vaccines will be” against the new variant.
“But we have good reasons to believe they will provide at least some measure of protection,” he added.
Prof Chris Whitty is explaining a series of slides that show cases rose in November after a dip in October.
Hospitalisations and the number of deaths are down.
Johnson said there will be ramping up of mask wearing in shops and indoor settings.
All these measures are “temporary and precautionary” and will be reviewed in three weeks, he added.
The prime minister said the health secretary is asking scientists to consider giving boosters to more people and reducing the gap from when an individual has their second dose.
Johnson said all close contacts of a positive Omicron case must self-isolate for 10 days regardless of their own jab status.
Johnson has stressed people can continue to travel but arrivals have to take a PCR test by the second day of their arrival and self-isolate until they have a negative result.
He added that the new variant diverges from previous configurations of the virus and reduces protection from vaccines over time.
Johnson said it does appear that Omicron spreads very rapidly and can spread between two people who are double vaccinated.
The UK’s prime minister, Boris Johnson, is due to give a live press conference now on the latest on the new variant which you can follow in the blog.
The UK has recorded a further 131 coronavirus-related deaths and 39,567 cases in the latest 24-hour period, government figures show.