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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
(31 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
Here is the full story on the UK’s prime minister, Boris Johnson, announcing fresh measures to curb the spread of coronavirus including mandatory masks in shops and PCR tests for travellers entering the country after two cases of the Omicron variant were detected.
Johnson said anyone arriving in the UK will be asked to take a PCR test for Covid-19 on the second day and must self-isolate until they provide a negative test. The rules on face coverings in shops and on public transport will also be tightened, he said.
Contacts of all confirmed cases of people infected with the Omicron variant will have to self-isolate for 10 days. Health officials are also examining the case for widening access to the booster vaccine programme, he added.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State Department has advised against travel to eight southern African countries due to the Omicron variant, Reuters reports.
The CDC raised its travel recommendation to “Level Four: Very High” for South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, Eswatini and Botswana while the State Department issued parallel “Do Not Travel” advisories Saturday.
The Welsh government has confirmed it will introduce the same measures on international travel as announced on Saturday by Boris Johnson, PA reports.
A spokesperson said: “We have repeatedly raised our concerns with the UK Government about its decision to relax international travel rules quickly, precisely because of the risk of introducing new variants into the UK. We also warned against the removal of PCR tests for returning travellers.
“The emergence of this new variant is a serious development in the ongoing pandemic and reinforces the need for everyone in Wales to get their vaccine or booster when offered, wear face coverings when necessary, and book a test if they develop symptoms.”
Face coverings will become compulsory in shops and on public transport in the UK from “next week”, a statement from 10 Downing Street said.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.The statement said: “Face coverings will be made compulsory in shops and on public transport from next week.
“All hospitality settings will be exempt.”“All hospitality settings will be exempt.”
Two new cases of the Omicron variant have been found in the German state of Bavaria, Reuters reports.Two new cases of the Omicron variant have been found in the German state of Bavaria, Reuters reports.
The press conference has now concluded.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.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.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”.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.