The Isle of Wight remains Omicron free, despite the new Covid-19 strain becoming more prominent nationwide.
Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday (Monday), health secretary Sajid Javid told MPs 20 per cent of the Covid cases on Friday looked to be of the Omicron variant.
200,000 people a day
He also warned it was infecting 200,000 people a day, according to modelling from the UK Health Security Agency.
While there are still some unknowns about the variant, it is thought to be more transmissible.
IWC: No recorded or probable cases
Mr Javid said there are now 4,713 confirmed cases of Omicron in the UK but an Isle of Wight Council spokesperson confirmed there were no recorded or probable cases of the variant on the Island.
Cases of the variant have so far reached Portsmouth and Southampton.
Follow the guidance
The spokesperson reiterated the advice people can follow to protect themselves which included getting vaccinated, including the booster jab, if people were eligible.
To reduce the spread of infection, they said, people should wear a face-covering in busy settings, socially distance, well ventilate places, practice cough hygiene and frequently sanitise or wash their hands.
Booster vaccines
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has recently pushed for people to get their booster vaccines, as he declared an ‘Omicron emergency’.
In a televised speech to the nation on Sunday, Mr Johnson said there should be no doubt a ‘tidal wave of Omicron is coming’.
New booster target
He announced in his update, a new target has been set to offer booster vaccines to all those over 18 who want one by the end of the month, which has prompted a call for more volunteers to come forward.
MPs are set to vote later on the introduction of restrictions, including mandatory Covid passes to enter large venues like nightclubs and compulsory face coverings in most indoor settings.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
