Cases of the Covid-19 variant Omicron have been identified in Southampton. On Friday last week the Island’s public health chief said there were no cases yet on the Isle of Wight.
Southampton city council has confirmed that four cases of the variant first detected in South Africa have now been recorded in the city.
Chase: No cause for alarm, but right to be cautious
Debbie Chase, the Southampton director of public health, said there is no cause for alarm, but residents should be vigilant.
She said,
“We are working with the UK Health Security Agency following confirmation of four cases of the Omicron variant in Southampton that are directly or indirectly linked to travel.
“While there is no cause for alarm, we are right to be cautious.”
Chase: The pandemic is not over
She said the detection of the Omicron variant in the city is a reminder that the pandemic is not over.
Dr Chase added,
“We are working with UKSHA to ensure that all contact tracing takes place and residents do not have to take any specific additional actions following the detection of this variant.
“However we should be vigilant and remember that we all have a role to play in helping to limit the spread of the virus.
“We can do this by continuing to test in line with national guidance, having our vaccinations and booster shots when eligible, wearing masks in crowded places and in shops and on public transport in line with the government guidance, and self-isolating when required to do so.”
Tightening of Covid measures
A total of 246 cases of the Omicron variant have so far been recorded across the UK.
Concerns over the variant have sparked tighted measures which now include mandatory face coverings in shops and on public transport.
Any close contacts of a confirmed case of Omicron must isolate for 10 days, regardless of their vaccine status or age.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: Mark Konig under CC BY 2.0
