First case of Omicron variant has been discovered in the county
A first case of the Omicron Covid-19 variant has been identified in Leicestershire.
The county council said the case was discovered in Oadby and Wigston.
County Hall said it is working hard to identify close contacts of the infected individual – and that further cases are anticipated.
Leicestershire’s director of public health, Mike Sandys, said: “The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed there has been a case of Covid-19 Omicron variant in Leicestershire.
“As in other parts of the country, we are working closely with UKHSA to take all appropriate actions and identify any close contacts.
“While further investigations are carried out, it’s more important than ever that Leicestershire residents follow the latest Covid-19 safety measures and take every possible precaution to reduce their risk of infection.
“This is one of more than 200 cases of Omicron which have so far been confirmed in the UK and I do expect there will be further Omicron cases identified locally and nationally in the coming days.
“Please keep washing your hands regularly, wear a mask in shops and on public transport, open windows if you’re meeting people indoors and keep taking rapid coronavirus tests at home at least twice a week – especially before going out or meeting up with others.
“Please make sure you get your Covid19 vaccine and take up the offer of a booster.
“It’s also really important to stay at home if you’re not feeling well. If you have any Covid-19 symptoms, however mild, order a free PCR test online straight away.”
A spokesman for the city council said: “Obviously this is a constantly changing situation that we are monitoring closely. But at the moment there are no cases of the Omicron variant we are aware of in Leicester.”