Yesterday the Government announced new measures to slow down the spread of the Omicron Variant in the UK, taking precautionary steps to bolster our wall of defence against this new variant.
I know that many constituents will be disappointed at the reintroduction of measures that restrict our everyday lives. However, the Omicron variant is growing much faster than the previous Delta variant, doubling every two to three days – risking a potentially serious rise in hospitalisations and death.
That is why we have announced targeted and proportionate measures, subject to approval by Parliament, to slow the spread of the new variant, including
- Face masks becoming mandatory in public indoor settings except hospitality from Friday 10 December
- Advice to work from home if you can from Monday 13 December
- The requirement to show proof of vaccination or a negative lateral flow test through the NHS Covid Pass for entry to nightclubs and certain events from Wednesday 15 December.
While we continue to assess the Omicron variant and will keep these measures under review, our scientists are clear that vaccines remain our first line of defence and we urge everyone who is eligible to come forward for their booster jab.