Today new measures came into effect to reduce the spread of Covid-19, bolstering our wall of defence against the virus.
The Omicron variant is a stark reminder that we are not yet out of this pandemic, and we must take steps to protect the gains we have made in our fight against the virus.
That is why we have introduced new measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19 – from 04:00 this morning, all contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate for ten days, face coverings are now compulsory in shops and on public transport, and all international arrivals must take a PCR test on or before day two and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
Re-introducing some restrictions is not a decision that Government ministers have taken lightly. That is why vaccines remain our most effective tool against Covid-19 and we urge everyone who is eligible to come forward for their booster jab. I am reassured to see the excellent uptake of the booster in the Great Yarmouth. That does mean that pre-booked appointments are booked up quickly in local centres, so you may initially be offered an appointment further away. Please be patient our health workers are working tirelessly, and new appointments are released regularly.
Vaccine experts recommend booster jab for younger population
Yesterday the Government accepted the JCVI’s recommendation to make booster jabs available to those aged 18 – 39, accelerating the rollout of our booster jab programme to protect against the Omicron variant.
Following the ongoing success of our vaccination programme, we asked the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to review the advice for offering a booster dose to those under 40. The new advice means those aged 18 to 39 will be offered a booster jab in order of descending age groups, with priority given to the vaccination of older adults and those in the at-risk group from Covid-19 – and the booster will now be given no sooner than 3 months after the primary course.
Our booster programme is strengthening our wall of defence against the virus, helping to protect people from serious illness and save lives.
