‘Omicron is like a cold restrictions must stop’

A COUNTY MP has compared the Omicron variant of Covid-19 to the common cold, saying the government needs to end all restrictions now.

Andrew Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire, made the claims after studies found those who contracted Omicron were 50 per cent to 70 per cent less likely to need hospital care compared with previous variants.

“The risk of hospitalisation from Omicron appears two thirds lower than the Delta variant,” he said.

“It’s a far milder and more transmissible variant, just like the common cold, which is also a coronavirus.

“There was no need for Plan B and certainly no need for any further restrictions.”

Mr Bridgen’s words come as the Prime Minister has said he will not introduce any new measures before the new year - despite the continued growth of the Omicron variant across the country.

A “circuit breaker” lockdown or tougher restrictions are widely expected to follow shortly afterwards.

While England is not imposing new restrictions yet, the same cannot be said for Scotland and Wales.

All outdoor events are limited to 500 people in Scotland, meaning many street Hogmanay parties have been cancelled, while indoor events will be restricted to 200 people if they are seated.

It’s a 100 person limit for standing events.

Nicola Sturgeon has also reintroduced physical distancing of one metre for all public events.

In Wales, no more than six people will be allowed to meet in pubs, cinemas and restaurants.

Two-metre social distancing rules returned in public places from Boxing Day.

Both countries are also sticking with 10-day self-isolation periods for those who test positive too - that’s in stark contrast to England, which slashed its self-isolation period to seven days, dependent on two negative lateral flow tests.

That differing approach is something Mr Bridgen believes is unnecessary and criticised both Scotland’s and Wales’s First Ministers.

“Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford have let Scotland and Wales down badly and shown their true authoritarian nature,” he said.

“Time for the government in Westminster to lead, no more Covid restrictions.

“It’s official, Omicron is mild.” With health leaders warning of a tough winter ahead, the Leicestershire MP, who previously said Omicron was “good news” for the country, remained upbeat about the new variant.

“The Omicron variant could well be our way out of all restrictions, as I pointed out several weeks ago,” he said.

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