Health leaders in Staffordshire are urging people to do everything they can to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The plea comes after confirmation of the Omicron variant being found in the UK.
Although no cases have yet been confirmed in Staffordshire, Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council’s director of health and care, said residents needed to play their part in preventing the spread of coronavirus.
“We’ve had the first few cases of the new Omicron variant confirmed in the UK, and I have no doubt there will be more in the coming days.
“While we have no cases of this variant confirmed in Staffordshire, we still need to do everything we can to reduce the spread of Covid-19.”
Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council
The Government has put in new rules to control the spread of infection. These are:
- Face coverings compulsory in shops and on public transport
- All contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be required to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of their vaccination status
- Anyone entering the UK will need to have a PCR test with two days of their arrival, and will need to self-isolate until they have a negative test result
- Secondary schools are being ‘strongly advised’ to introduce the wearing of face coverings in communal areas by both staff and pupils
Staffordshire’s Covid-19 rate is currently at 460 per 100,000, above both the England and West Midlands rates.
“The emergence of this new variant just shows how important it is that everyone does their bit to reduce the spread of the virus.
“As well as following the new rules the Government has set out, it is now more important than ever to get vaccinated with your first and second dose and booster.
“People should also be testing themselves when they go into high-risk situations, such as visiting an elderly relative or going into a crowded public space.
“By following these simple measures, we can minimise the spread of Covid-19 and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.”
Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire County Council
