Omicron variant cases linked to birthday party in Somerset

Two cases of the Omicron variant have been linked to a private party which took place in Somerset.

The UK Health Security Agency South West confirmed that two Omicron cases had been linked to the event, with further cases suspected.

It follows reports made on social media by Professor Tim Spector, leader of the ZOE Covid Study, that a “super-spreader event” happened at a private 60th birthday party in Somerset.

The ZOE Covid Study was launched at the end of March 2020 to support coronavirus research and is the world’s largest ongoing study with over four million contributors across the globe.

Prof Spector said: “A Zoe contributor has told of a super-spreader event in Somerset at a 60th birthday where all guests were vaccinated and some with boosters and had a lateral flow test 24 hours beforehand that was negative.

“14/18 developed PCR positive for Omicron- but symptoms all mild luckily.”

It has not been revealed in which part of Somerset the party took place.

The UK Health Security Agency South West said it was looking into the party and ensuring all close contacts were notified about self-isolating.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid has confirmed that the Omicron variant has been found in “multiple regions of England”.

Dominic Mellon, deputy director for the UK Health Security Agency South West, said: “We can confirm that we are investigating two confirmed cases of Omicron variant linked to a private party held in Somerset with further suspected cases under investigation linked to the same event.

“Wherever a case of the Omicron variant is identified or suspected in our region, we are following up with any contacts to emphasise the importance of self-isolation and testing.”

Anyone who is identified as being a contact of a confirmed or suspected Omicron case must self-isolate for 10 days.

He continued: “It is critically important that we do everything we can to help stop the variant’s spread while we learn more about how infectious it is, whether it could cause more severe illness, and how effective our vaccines are against this variant.

“Ahead of attending social events, we advise taking a lateral flow test, meet outdoors if you can, or if indoors, open a window to let in fresh air.

“All of these individual actions can make a difference to help slow the spread of the infection and help keep each other safe.”