This week the Prime Minister set
out a proportionate set of actions to tackle the newly identified Omicron
Variant of Covid-19 that was first discovered in Southern Africa. It includes new temporary and precautionary
measures that will allow scientists time to better understand how the new
strain of the Covid virus has developed. This was an extremely difficult
decision. None of us wants to return to
the sorts of restrictions we have had to endure over the last two years,
however, there are some uncertainties around the new variant, so we need to
make the space to better understand it.
These measures include making face
coverings will be compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices
and hairdressers, as well as on public transport and requiring all travellers
to take a PCR test when arriving back in the UK, on or before day two of their
arrival. We have also placed South Africa, Botswana, and other African nations
on the red list as a precaution to prevent unnecessary spread of this variant.
The main concern is that 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 and experts remain
confident that our current vaccines will provide protection against the new
variant, but the extent of this continues to be investigated.
However, our extensive 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. 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 should be encouraged to come forward to help
protect themselves and others.
Both the Prime Minister and the
Health Secretary have been clear that these measures will only be in place for
as long as is strictly necessary and not one day more. If it proves to be the
case, as many initial investigations indict, that the Omicron Variant of
COVID-19 is no more deadly or significant that the Delta variant, these restrictions
will be reversed. As such, the government has committed to a review three weeks
from now.
Cornwall has been particularly
vulnerable throughout the pandemic, and with the existing pressures on our
health service we have to act with caution when considering the risks on new
variants. However, it is important to understand that vaccination is our best
way out of this pandemic and put us firmly back on the road to normality. As
such, I strongly encourage you to have both your first and second vaccine and
your booster when called up.
