Pandemic fears prompt advice
EMPLOYEES have been asked to work from home and people have been urged to take more tests, amid concerns across the UK that the ongoing coronavirus crisis could disrupt Christmas celebrations.
People in England have been advised to take a test before visiting crowded indoor spaces – which could include busy shops or Christmas parties.
In Northern Ireland, people are being urged by Stormont ministers to work from home where possible in a bid to curb cases.
The warnings come amid a spike of cases across Europe and concerns that the crisis could engulf Christmas celebrations for a second year running.
On Monday, Boris Johnson said the Government sees no need to introduce fresh Covid-19 restrictions in England, despite rising cases across much of Europe. Yet the recommendation on lateral flow testing for people without symptoms has changed, to encourage more people to take a test before entering crowded indoor spaces.
Previously, the public was advised to use lateral flow tests twice-weekly. People are also advised to take a test before visiting a person who is at higher risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19, and get a PCR test if they have symptoms.
Fresh work from home advice has been issued in Northern Ireland, where ministers urged people to limit their social contacts and wear face coverings in crowded or indoor settings. Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said that measures were the best chance of avoiding further restrictions in the weeks ahead.
In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon warned of a “precarious” position but stopped short of extending the vaccine passport scheme to more venues. From Monday a negative lateral flow test will also allow entry to nightclubs and large venues, the First Minister said.
Ms Sturgeon told MSPs: “We have taken account of the fact that – although our situation is precarious – cases are currently stable and indeed slightly declining, and we have considered the inevitable impact vaccine certification has on the operation of businesses and concluded that, at this stage, extension would not be proportionate.
“We were also mindful of the need over the coming weeks of getting across the message that it is important to be vaccinated and tested ahead of socialising in any setting – including in homes and shopping centres, for example – not just in those that might be covered by a certification scheme.”
Welsh health minister Eluned Morgan told a Plenary meeting in the Senedd that Wales was “not out of the woods yet” but said there will be no changes to the rules for another three weeks.
Ms Morgan said: “The signs from the continent are not good. A new wave of coronavirus is once again sweeping across Europe and countries all around us are tightening their restrictions. None of us want to see restrictions back in place in Wales at Christmas but neither do we want to see people falling ill.”