The UK has so far reported 11 cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant.
London:
New mask requirements and other measures to limit the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant went into effect in Britain on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson considers an expanded ramp-up program to help boost enhanced protection against COVID-19.
From Tuesday morning, face masks are mandatory on transport and in shops, banks and hairdressers.
All international travelers must take a PCR test by the end of the second day after their arrival, and self-isolate until results are received. That’s in addition to restrictions on guests from 10 South African countries who must enter hotel quarantine.
The UK has reported 11 cases of the Omicron variant so far and while the government says the number will rise, it is important to slow its spread until more is known about the possibility. the transmissibility of the variant and its effect on the vaccine.
“The measures taking effect today are proportionate and responsible, and will give us time to face this new variation,” Johnson said in a statement.
“Today’s steps not only help us slow the spread of the variant, but also help us protect each other and achieve the benefits we’ve worked so hard for.”
Johnson said the measures would be reviewed in three weeks, but added that the country’s rollout of the vaccine puts the country in a better situation than it was this time last year, when restrictions were put in place. out just before Christmas.
On Monday, vaccine advisers rolled out the booster program for all adults, and Health Minister Sajid Javid said more details would be available on how it would be implemented this week.
The booster shots are expected to help protect against serious illness even if Omicron can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.
“Based on all we know, vaccines and boosters are still our best line of defense,” Johnson said.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from an aggregated feed.)
