Three ways Britain will fight the ‘terrible’ variant of Omicron Covid and save Christmas

A NEW Covid super strain has been officially named a ‘worrisome variant’ with two cases already reported in the UK.

Today, the government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance shared three ways Britons can fight back Omicron variant and Christmas savings.

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Limit cases entering the country

Speaking at Lively press conferenceMr Vallance said the first way to limit cases of the “terrible” variant was to prevent infected travelers from entering the UK.

“The first is to try to limit the number of cases coming in from places where there are a lot of cases,” he said.

“And that means trying to detect people and stop them from spreading in the country.”

Earlier in the press conference, the Prime Minister announced that anyone arriving in the UK would be required to take a PCR test for Covid-19 on a second day – regardless of vaccination status.

Travelers must self-quarantine until they can test negative.

Reduce spread

The second way the UK could tackle this variation is to reduce the spread of infections already in the country.

Mr Vallance said during the press conference that this can be done by ensuring that every case of the Omicron variant is reported and that those infected are self-isolating – so to reduce the spread.

“The second is to make sure that when we have cases that happen domestically and that we have the same cases that other countries will have, that we try and limit the spread domestically and that that means detecting those cases, making sure the contacts are identified,” the scientist said.

Read ours Omicron Live blog to keep up to date with latest news and news

Sajid Javid said the newly identified variant in South Africa “may be more transmissible” than the Delta strain, and added: “The vaccines we currently have may be less effective.”

Officials are also trying to trace the thousands of people who have arrived from South Africa in the past ten days.

So far there have been two reported cases of the Omicron variant in the UK.

The two cases – currently in isolation – are believed to be related to travel in South Africa.

Defense through boosters

A third way Britain can fight off the new virus is for all Brits to get vaccinated – including a booster shot.

“And the third is to strengthen our defenses,” Mr. Vallance said.

“And the defenses are first and foremost to ensure that the vaccine is boosted because a very high level of antibody coverage will result in a higher percentage of people being protected even against one variant. “

Last night Sajid Javid called on all eligible Britons to take their boosters as a matter of urgency.

“We must continue to act cautiously and do all we can to contain this virus, including getting a booster shot once you are eligible,” Mr. Javid said.

“We have passed 16 million booster shotsNS. The boost shot was already important before we knew about this variant – but now, it couldn’t be more important.

“So please, if you’re eligible, get a booster shot, don’t delay.”

TURN ON THE MASK

It comes from concerns about this Christmas being canceled due to a large number of new cases and variations.

A senior aviation source said there had been “severe vibrations” in all corners of the industry, saying Time: “Now there is a big question mark about Christmas.

“Obviously the redlist is going to expand and that’s going to take a big hit.”

Face coverings will become mandatory in stores and on public transport from “next week”, a notice from 10 Downing Street said.

The statement, released after the Prime Minister’s press conference, said: “Face coverings will be made mandatory in shops and on public transport from next week.

“All compensation settings will be waived.”