New Covid regulations as Omicron variant is found in UK
COMPULSORY MASKS RETURN
WHILE we have been getting used to the new normal, there was a fear in the back of our minds that Covid would once more produce a sting in the tale.
In typical timing, with less than a month until Christmas, coronavirus has sprung up a new variant, known as Omicron, which has far more mutations, meaning it could be more transmissible and could possibly evade some of the effects of the vaccines.
It has sparked a raft of new measures announced by the Government, with face coverings becoming mandatory in some settings, a ramp up of the vaccine programme and travel restrictions.
But there is no suggestion as yet of any plans for a dreaded lockdown.
The news will no doubt leave many of us fed up, angry and worried in equal measure.
Here is what we know so far about Omicron and the new measures.
WHAT IS OMICRON AND WHY ARE SCIENTISTS CONCERNED?
The Omicron variant is a new form of Covid-19 labelled as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which means scientists are worried about it.
Omicron is the Greek letter for O, continuing WHO’S Greek alphabet naming convention for variants.
The first confirmed case of Omicron was detected on November 9 in South Africa and it was reported to the WHO on November 24.
The Omicron variant has a large number of mutations. Many of these mutations are also on the spike protein, which is what the vaccines target, and there are fears this could lead to the variant evading the benefits of the vaccines. Early research suggests these mutations could also cause a risk of reinfection.
HOW MANY CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN THE UK?
So far, there have been five cases of the Omicron variant in England.
There have also been six cases recorded in Scotland and it is likely more cases will be identified.
There have also been cases recorded in a number of other countries across Europe, while there have been hundreds of cases recorded across South Africa, where Omicron was first discovered.
WHERE WILL YOU HAVE TO WEAR FACE MASKS?
Face coverings will be mandatory in retail areas and on public transport.
A Government statement said: “From 4am Tuesday, November 30, face coverings will be compulsory in shops and other settings, such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport, unless individuals are exempt from doing so.”
In NHS settings, such as hospitals and GP surgeries, face coverings have remained necessary and will remain so.
DO WE HAVE TO WEAR THEM IN PUBS, RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS?
At present, pubs, restaurants and cafés are exempt, but that could soon change.
Before restrictions were completely eased, all staff in hospitality had to wear face masks, while customers had to wear them when walking to the bar or the toilet.
That rule could soon be put in place once more.
Some experts suggest the advice is not strong enough and have questioned why people should wear a face covering on a train or in a shop, but not in a pub.
Sage member Professor Sir Mark Walport told Sky News: “If you are in a small, poorly ventilated enclosed space, it makes sense to wear a mask. Clearly when you are drinking and eating, it’s not possible to do that but if you’re moving around, then absolutely.
“We know that infection happens in closed spaces indoors and, of course, as it gets colder, people are more likely to be indoors and they’re less likely to have the windows open.
“So, if you’re going to wear masks in shops, it makes sense to wear them in other places as well.”
But Health Secretary Sajid Javid refused to be drawn into the issue when questioned by MPS in the House of Commons, agreeing that everything needs to be done to protect the hospitality industry after a tough 18 months.
WHAT ARE THE RULES AROUND WEARING THEM IN SCHOOLS?
School pupils in Year 7 and above are being told they will have to wear face masks in communal areas.
It is understood the Department for Education has written to every school that will be impacted by the rules ahead of the new week.
An email update from the Department for Education to education and childcare providers said: “Face coverings should be worn in communal areas in all settings by staff, visitors and pupils or students in Year 7 and above, unless they are exempt.
“Pupils or students (in Year 7 or above) should continue to wear face coverings on public and dedicated school transport, unless they are exempt.”
The Government announced the new mask rules will then be reviewed in three weeks’ time.
Universities are also asking students to wear face coverings indoors.
WHAT IS THE SITUATION WITH VACCINES?
The Omicron variant has a large number of mutations which is why there is so much concern.
Many of these mutations are also on the spike protein, which is what the vaccines target and there are fears this could lead to the variant evading the effects of the vaccines.
It remains unclear how effective the vaccines will be against
Omicron. But part of the Government’s strategy is to ramp up the vaccine and booster programme.
All people aged 18 and over are to be offered a Covid-19 booster vaccine as part of efforts to tackle the spread of the Omicron variant.
Millions more people in the UK will become eligible for a third booster dose after early evidence suggested that higher antibody levels may protect better against the variant.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is now advising that all adults aged 18 to 39 should be offered a booster dose, in order of descending age groups, to increase their level of protection. Those aged 40 and over are already eligible for a booster vaccine.
The wait between having the second dose and the booster is also being halved from six to three months.
WHAT TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ARE CURRENTLY IN PLACE AND WHICH COUNTRIES ARE RED-LISTED?
Holidaymakers with winter breaks are being given the chance to amend bookings following the change in quarantine and testing rules following the emergence of the Omicron Covid variant.
Passengers arriving in the UK from 4am on Tuesday will be required to take a PCR test by the end of their second day from entry and isolate until they receive a negative test, while ten southern African nations have been added to the red list.
The UK Government has pledged to review restrictions in three weeks.
There are currently ten red-listed countries which are all in Africa, which means you maybe refused entry to the UK or will have to quarantine in a hotel for ten days on return from these countries.