[ad_1]
Public Well being Scotland is “strongly” urging companies to defer Christmas events in response to the Omicron variant.
Dr Nick Phin stated: “I respect that everybody is eager to have fun this festive season, significantly after the pressures of the final 20 months, however by suspending some plans we are able to all do our bit to guard ourselves and our family members.”
The director of public well being science and medical director at Public Well being Scotland pointed to early proof that means Omicron is “far more transmissible” than earlier variants – and stated quite a few outbreaks have been linked to events.
Given the variety of #COVID19 outbreaks which are being linked to Christmas events, significantly these brought on by #Omicron, Public Well being Scotland is urging individuals to defer such events presently.
➡️https://t.co/i8pSCqfpx1 pic.twitter.com/rlicpCkzsu
— Public Well being Scotland (@P_H_S_Official) December 9, 2021
“We nonetheless must study extra in regards to the severity of illness brought on by Omicron and the effectiveness of vaccines, however there are essential issues that we are able to do to assist shield ourselves and our households now,” he stated.
“To assist minimise the additional unfold of COVID-19, and Omicron, particularly, I might strongly urge individuals to defer their Christmas events to a different time.”
Omicron could also be extra infectious – however do we have to fear if it causes much less extreme illness?
He went on to advise individuals to observe different measures to assist sluggish the unfold, together with getting a booster jab, taking a COVID take a look at earlier than socialising with different households, and assembly exterior.
What number of Omicron instances have been reported?
The newest information from the UK Well being Safety Company (UKHSA) confirmed a complete of 109 Omicron instances have been recorded in Scotland – after only one an infection was reported within the final 24 hours.
Throughout the UK, the full variety of confirmed Omicron instances is sitting at 817.
Boris Johnson stated events and nativities might go forward
At a Downing Road information convention on Wednesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had stated Christmas events and faculty nativities ought to nonetheless go forward.
“They need to observe the steering, after all, however we’re not saying we wish youngsters to be taken out of college earlier than the tip of time period – not that there’s very lengthy to go now – and we don’t need nativity performs to be cancelled,” Mr Johnson stated.
“We predict that it’s OK at present, on what we are able to see, to maintain going with Christmas events, however clearly all people ought to train due warning.”
Omicron variant ‘as unhealthy information as you possibly can probably get’ for Christmas, main scientist says
Some restrictions are already in place in Scotland
Scotland’s transfer comes after Mr Johnson introduced Plan B restrictions for England, which is able to see thousands and thousands requested to earn a living from home, an extension of necessary face coverings, and COVID passes to get into some venues.
A few of these guidelines are already in place in Scotland, with vaccine passports in pressure since October.
People who find themselves attending nightclubs, unseated indoor occasions with 500 or extra individuals, unseated out of doors occasions with 4,000 or extra individuals, and any occasion with 10,000 or extra individuals, want to indicate they’re double vaccinated earlier than coming into.
Since 6 December, a unfavorable PCR take a look at taken inside 24 hours of entry to a venue or a unfavorable lateral stream take a look at have additionally been accepted as a part of the passes.
Persons are additionally required to put on a face masks in most indoor settings, and are inspired to earn a living from home the place potential.
[ad_2]
Source link