NEW COVID VARIANT COMING TO STAFFORDSHIRE ‘WAS INEVITABLE’
First case confirmed in Newcastle borough
THE first case of the Omicron covid variant in Staffordshire has been identified in Newcastle borough.
The resident was a contact of a confirmed out-of-area case linked to overseas travel.
It has been confirmed that they have been self-isolating since late November. A small number of their contacts were also traced to selfisolate and get tested.
Now an investigation by the UK Health Security Agency and Staffordshire County Council has found no evidence of any wider spread in the community. It means no additional testing is necessary.
Latest Public Heath England data shows Newcastle borough has recorded 560 new coronavirus cases in the past week. It has a seven-day Covid infection rate of 432.1 cases per 100,000 population. That is above the West Midlands average and below the England average.
Health bosses have today refused to disclose the exact location of Newcastle’s first Omicron case.
Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire’s director of public health, said: “With the Omicron variant spreading to more areas of the country, it was inevitable that it would make its way to Staffordshire.
“Robust contact tracing has taken place following the identification of this first case, which has limited the risk of further spread in the community.
“The new Omicron variant is a timely reminder to everyone to remain vigilant and do what we can to reduce the risks. This means getting a PCR test if you have symptoms, however mild, wearing a face covering in shops and on public transport, and getting your vaccine and boosters.
“It is important to break the chain of transmission as quickly as possible, and the quickest way of doing this, is for individuals who test positive to self-isolate immediately. Even if you are feeling well, I would urge everyone to play their part to keep their community safe.”