Omicron detected in Haringey

The Omicron variant of Covid-19 has been detected in Haringey.

At the time of reporting, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed one case of the Omicron coronavius variant in Haringey, out of 22 cases detected in England.

According to the World Health Organisation, the Omicron variant poses a high risk of infection surges across the world.

New Covid-19 restrictions have been announced following the discovery of UK cases. These measures include the reintroduction of mandatory face coverings in shops and on public transport, the reintroduction of the red travel quarantine list for travellers from certain countries, and mandatory PCR testing for anyone entering the UK.

The government will be extending the booster vaccination program to curb re-infection risk. It aims for all eligible adults to receive a booster jab by the end of January 2022.

Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has stated that at least 400 military personnel will be assisting the NHS with these efforts.

Johnson said: “We want to ramp up capacity across the whole UK to the levels we achieved in the previous vaccination effort. We’re going to be throwing everything at it in order to ensure everyone eligible is offered that booster.”

Early evidence suggests the new Omicron variant – initially reported to the World Health Organization from South Africa on Wednesday, 24th November – has a higher re-infection risk.

The recent changes mark the return of the UK’s travel red list, which had been cleared of all countries in October.

Ten countries in southern Africa are now on the UK’s travel red list: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini Angola, Namibia, Mozambique and Zambia.

Any British or Irish residents arriving in the UK after recently visiting any of those countries will have to quarantine in an approved hotel for ten days. Residents from the countries themselves will not be allowed into the UK until the red list status changes.

Johnson said: “What we need to do is delay the seeding of Omicron in this country, that’s why tough checks at the borders are so important.”

In addition, the Department for Education is now advising pupils in Year 7 and above, as well as school staff and visitors, to wear face coverings in communal areas. The measure applies to education establishments in England including secondary schools, colleges and universities, as well as staff in childcare settings.

Read the full government statement