Today, Sajid Javid insisted that it was a wonderful Christmas and that the UK is not in lockdown. He desperately attempted to calm panic about the Omicron Covid version.
According to the Health Secretary, government is taking proportionate and balanced precautions in order to buy time. This confirms that public transport and shops will again require masks starting Tuesday.
However, he said that there’s no guarantee that the super-mutant strain of the virus will be capable to resist vaccines. He also stressed how that might happen.
Asking Mr Javid if there might be an increase in social distancing or other tougher restrictions, he replied that the government was not ‘anywhere near’.
Sky News interviewed Mr Javid, who encouraged people to plan for the holiday season in similar fashion to their previous years. He said: “It’s going be a great Christmas.”
Minister in Cabinet said that he only knew about two Omicron cases from the UK.
After being informed by Andrew Marr on BBC’s Andrew Marr that Covid symptoms were not lost in South Africa, Mr Javid stated the government would update the recognized signs.
He said, “We’ll of course do it if necessary.”
Boris Johnson was the one who prompted this reassurance. To stop the transmission of this highly transmissible variant, the British government imposed isolation on all visitors to Britain. They also required that everyone wear masks at shops and trains.
At a hastily-arranged Downing Street press conference last night the PM painted a grim picture of the potential threat from the new ‘super-mutant’ strain – admitting he cannot guarantee Christmas will go ahead as hoped.
Mr Johnson put unlocking in reverse as he extended travel bans, enforcing day-two PCR tests for arrivals in Britain, and making facemasks compulsory in shops and on trains.
All immigrants to the country should self-isolate up until they obtain a negative result on a gold standard test. The test can be used to identify Omicron-carrying individuals.
For 10 days, all contacts infected by the variant should remain at their homes.
Mr Javid said this morning he hopes extra measures will be ‘temporary’, adding he thinks people will ‘take this more seriously’.
Sajid Javid spoke to Trevor Phillips on Sunday Sky News. He said that he believes this is the best way to respond on masks.
“It will come through government regulation. That means that I believe people will actually take it seriously.
When asked if people would follow the mask rules, Javid replied that he believed so.
Javid said, “It is important, I believe, to act in proportionate ways and in a temporary manner.
Sajid Javid stated that while the government is taking proportionate and balanced precautions in order to “buy time”, he stressed that there’s no guarantee the super-mutant strain will be immune to jabs
“I am hopeful that this will be something we can eliminate within the next few weeks. However, progress is important. We want our lives to be normal again. But, at the moment, given all that we know and the expert opinion, it seems right to take proportionate, balanced actions.
On the festive season he said: ‘I think it’s fair to say that the nature of this pandemic is it would be irresponsible to make guarantees.
“As for Christmas I think people should keep their plans as usual for Christmas. It’s going be a wonderful Christmas.
Mr. Javid sounded down on the prospect of working remotely or social isolation measures being used to counter coronavirus.
He said that “We now know these kinds of measures have a very heavy, both economic and social, in terms non-Covid outcomes like impact on mental well-being,’
“So, to make such decisions, one would need to do it very carefully. We’re still not there, but we are getting closer.”
Mr Javid said he is expecting to get advice on broadening the booster programme from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation ‘imminently’.
He said that it is more essential to get vaccinated now than ever.
“We know vaccines work,” he said. He said that the new version may be less effective than before.
“But, the vaccines work. They are our first defense. This is why I asked our vaccine experts called JCVI for quick advice about expanding and boosting our booster programmes.
I expect that this advice will be given soon. It is about being quick and efficient to preserve the gains we’ve made.
Expect Mr Javid to provide clarification on the timeframe for other rules that will take effect in the coming days. No10 suggests they’ll be implemented ‘next week.
In Nottingham and Brentwood, Essex, two instances of this strain were detected. Both cases are connected to the possibility of traveling to southern Africa to acquire the mutation.
After the UK Health Security Agency verified the sequence, the infected persons and their families were instructed to self-isolate.
This is the first time restrictions in England have been enforced since last winter, although Scotland and Wales had previously responded to spikes in infection rates.
According to the premier, the measure will be reviewed within three week and that booster jab campaigns will continue in the meantime.
Both the Welsh Government and Scotland are mirroring restrictions on international travel and warn they may go further.
These changes are not as radical as the official ‘Plan B’ that was outlined by government this summer. Johnson did not bring back home orders and introduce vaccine passports.
The PM, however, refused to rule out the possibility of a Christmas lockdown. When pressed by reporters, he warned Omicron that Omicron differs quite significantly from other Covid variations and would’reduce our vaccines’ over time.
His only commitment was to make the holiday season ‘better than’ last year.
Sir Patrick also warned that the UK may need to ‘face up’ to the possibility of further restrictions if the Omicron variant is very transmissible.
Prof Whitty also stated that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation would need to determine whether or not to offer the booster vaccine to anyone older than 18, and whether or not to give the second dose to any children between 12 and 15 who, along with their parents, decided to have the vaccine.
Another 39,567 Covid cases were recorded in the UK today – down 3.36 per cent from 40,941 posted last Saturday – while the number of people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid fell by 12.7 per cent from 150 last week to 131.
Canada, USA and EU followed Britain’s decision to restrict travel to visitors from south Africa. It was done ahead of WHO adding B.1.1.529 to its most concerning category.
Britain’s Omicron-related infections were the first in Britain. A rash of Omicron infections was discovered across Europe. At least 61 Covid cases have been reported from South Africa. The new Omicron variant is currently being sequenced by authorities.
Europe’s first case of the variant was spotted in Belgium yesterday – despite the unvaccinated woman who caught it having travelled to Turkey and Egypt. Today, suspected cases were confirmed by both Germany and the Czech Republic.
Germany’s first sequencing indicates that Omicron was responsible for the initial sequence. Officials will wait for the full sequencing to be completed later today. Australian authorities – who also banned travel to nine countries in the region – fear the variant may have already entered the country.
Chief medical officer in the USA Dr Anthony Fauci stated that he would not be surprised to learn that Omicron Covid had been introduced. As President Joe Biden was addressing the nation, his comments were made by Dr Anthony Fauci. The US government was criticized for allowing South African flights to fly into the US after Monday’s travel ban.
Boris Johnson addresses a conference following confirmation of cases in Britain for the new variant.
Boris Johnson last night was only willing to make a vague promise that this year’s festive season would be better than the previous one. He put Covid unlocking on hold and announced new restrictions
There were 48 direct flights between Cape Town and Johannesburg and London Heathrow from November 11 to November 26. There were 2 British Airways and 1 Virgin Atlantic flights per day during this time. A plane carrying 300 people could indicate that 14400 South Africans have arrived since Omicron first became known.
Another 39,567 Covid cases were recorded in the UK today – down 3.36 per cent from 40,941 posted last Saturday – while the number of people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid fell by 12.7 per cent from 150 last week to 131
At Saturday’s Downing Street press conference graphs were shown that showed the total number of jabbed people.
NOTTINGHAM – One Omicron case has been identified in Nottingham. These infections are increasing in frequency in the last few weeks and have been in sync with the national picture.
BRENTWOOD – The second case was located in Brentwood, Essex. This area has been experiencing a very similar trend and recorded 67 additional cases Wednesday.
Yesterday saw 2,828 Covid new cases in South Africa, an increase of more than the 1,374 reported last Thursday. However, infection rates have not risen dramatically and there have been no hospitalisations due to the new variant. Graph shows: The seven-day average for cases in the country
Mr Javid bans all South Africa flights, Botswana Lesotho Eswatini Zimbabwe, Namibia and Namibian airlines yesterday
Johnson was concerned that some Conservative backbenches would feel angered at the reimposition restrictions. However, he stated: “I hope we will find that our position continues to be strong and we can lift the existing measures again. Right now it’s the responsible course to take to stop the spreading of this new variant. To maximize our defenses and preserve the gains that we’ve worked so hard for.
Four more countries – Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola – were added to the red list from 4am this morning, meaning only British residents can come to this country, and they have to stay in a quarantine hotel.
Following growing concern about the spread of the virus, scientists have placed South Africa and Namibia on the ban list.
According to the Prime Minister, ‘we’re certainly not going stop people from travelling. I just want to emphasize that we are not stopping people traveling. But, anyone entering the UK must take a PCR test within the first day of their arrival. They will also be required to isolate themselves until they get a negative result.
The second is to stop the spread of the variant in the UK. Because measures at border are not able to prevent or reduce the possibility of it arriving, rather than halting its progress, All contacts who have been tested positive for Omicron will be asked to isolate themselves for a period of 10 days, regardless of whether or not you are vaccinated. The Omicron variant will spread rapidly, so we ask you all to limit its spread. We’ll tighten the regulations on the use of face covers in public places and shops.
Johnson stated that border travel measures cannot ‘only ever minimize and delay the appearance of a new virus rather than stopping it altogether’. Therefore, all persons with suspected cases of the variant must be isolated for ten days regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.
He said that the measures would be reviewed “in three weeks”, adding, “At that time we should have much more information about the continued effectiveness of our vaccinations.”
A Downing Street press conference was held by the prime minister. He stated that he needed to strengthen his protection against this variant.
“While we don’t know for sure how effective the vaccines against Omicron will be, there are strong reasons to think they can provide protection at most.”
“If your immune system is boosted, you will likely have a stronger response. It’s therefore more important than ever to get people their shots and get boosters in the arms of those who need them.
“We’re planning to increase the booster campaign. We’re already going to perform six million jabs across England in the next three weeks. Now we want to expand our reach. The Health Secretary asked the JCVI to look into giving boosters to as large a range of people as possible, as well as reducing gaps between the booster and the second.
Although the Prime Minister acknowledged that the new restrictions on travel are ‘tough’, he added that ‘That’s how it has to be.
Johnson responded to a question on whether or not the government could have done more quickly to secure the nation from Omicron, saying: “I don’t really know how we could have acted faster.”
“We made the announcement on Thursday about this and added quite a number of countries from southern Africa to the red list yesterday. And more today.”
But the introduction of compulsory PCR tests for Covid-19 for everyone arriving in the UK has been described as a ‘huge blow’ for the travel industry.
Abta, which is the trade association of UK tour operators, stated that increased testing costs for arrivals into the UK would have an effect on holiday demand. This will add pressure to an already difficult industry.
Abta acknowledges that the situation is rapidly changing and must put public health first. But, the requirement to have all arriving travelers undergo a PCR testing and then self-isolate until a negative result returns is a major blow to travel companies. Many of these businesses were just beginning to recover from 20 months of restrictive restrictions.
“These changes will increase cost for people’s holidays which will undoubtedly affect consumer demand and slow down the recovery of the industry. It’s important that the decision be carefully reviewed and any restrictions lifted quickly if there’s no risk to the UK’s vaccination program.
“The government must now also consider tailoring support to travel businesses that were among the most severely affected by the pandemic.”
Which? Rory Boland, travel editor at Which? said that while travellers understand the necessity for limitations, the private testing industry they’ll have to depend on is ‘not fit for purpose.
“Testing companies have had difficulty delivering tests on schedule over the past year. It is difficult to believe they can cope with this sudden spike in demand,” he stated.
“Now, that the Government has decided to mandate PCR tests, it needs to correctly regulate the market and implement CMA’s recommendations (Competition and Markets Authority), so consumers have assurance that they’re booking with a trusted provider.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has declared that the Government’s decision on face-masking restrictions is welcome.
Twitter user He said that the announcement about compulsory face covers was “welcome”.
“Evidence suggests they stop the virus from spreading and it is something that I repeatedly requested the Government to adopt.”
Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester Mayor) tweeted: “This is correct, but shows why they shouldn’t have been relaxed.
“It’s going to take more time and be harder to ensure compliance.
Sir Patrick claimed that vaccine companies are looking for ways to improve their effectiveness against emerging variants. He also stated that an Omicron-specific jab could be made in “about 100 days”.
He stated that he believed there were three possible ways to do this and companies are considering them. First, boosters provide sufficient antibody coverage to actually cover the cost of this. It is important to test this first case. That does look like it will provide protection. We’ll see if more is needed.
“The second reason is that vaccine makers have produced broader vaccines to gain wider coverage for potential new variants. They are now in production.
“Then, some companies have already indicated that they are able to tweak vaccines in order to produce a specific vaccine against this disease within 100 days.
These are just three options. The best one is boost. Your immune system recognizes that you need to increase the coverage and keeps it there.
“Because antibody levels are high it causes sufficient coverage to make other variants effective.”
He said that it was expected the variant would spread.
Sir Patrick said that he believes we will get more information about transmissibility and the effectiveness of vaccines against the virus. However, this may take some time. The current models suggest that the virus will spread quickly and spread to many places. However, if it spreads slowly, then it will do less.
“But, if it is very transmissible or causes big escape then that’s clearly a serious issue we must face.” We need more information, but that’s not what we have at this time.
Today, Javid made an announcement: “Today, I can tell you one thing we’re doing right now is performing targeted testing in these two affected areas and sequencing the positive cases.”
“We are aware of this variant. We don’t know enough about it yet but from what we do know, the protections that we have – especially the vaccines – are hugely important.
“We will take all measures necessary to safeguard the country’s progress.”
“We’ve made great strides since summer, and all this is being reviewed. And if necessary we will take additional action.
According to Mr Javid, anyone who traveled in the past 10 days to any of the countries on the red-list must self-isolate by taking PCR tests.
Professor Whitty stated that he would continue to collaborate closely with international communities to rapidly gather and analyze information about this variant in order to determine if there is an increase in resistance or transmissibility to vaccines.
This graph shows the percentage of cases with the B.1.1.529 (blue) or Indian “Delta” variant (red). It was taken over the course of time in Guateng Province in South Africa. The virus is at its most widespread. The mutant strain may be able to outcompete Delta within weeks.
KLM Dutch Airliner, Johannesburg to Amsterdam. After passengers were evacuated from Johannesburg and quarantined in an attempt to control the spread Omicron variants, the plane lands at Schipol Airport in Amsterdam.
Red Cross workers take coronavirus-infected passengers from South Africa to a hospital in Schiphol (the Netherlands) today.
To avoid offending Beijing, was Omicron a new Covid version? WHO opted not to use TWO letters from the Greek alphabet in order to avoid Xi Jinping, a Chinese president who has similar writing style to Xi Jinping?
Recurrent scrutiny has been placed on the China-World Health Organisation relationship after it was revealed that the UN had called the Covid version ‘Omicron’, instead of the Greek letter Xi.
China hawks were furious at the WHO for naming the mutation Omicron’, instead of Nu’ or ’Xi last night.
UN has used Greek letters, such as “Alpha”, “Beta”, and “Delta” to describe these variants. It stated on its website that it would be easier and more practical for people to talk about them.
Its decision to call the southern African variant ‘Omicron” has prompted speculation that WHO skipped ‘Xi to not anger President of China, Xi Jinping.
President Xi has been rumored to exert significant influence on Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO director-general), a former Ethiopian minister whose nation is a large recipient of Chinese investments.
The President Xi, a former Ethiopian minister and major beneficiary of Chinese investment, is reputed to be in a position of influence over Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus the WHO director-general.
Tedros is accused of using the position to get more appointments in Beijing. He was also accused of making Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s dictator, a goodwill Ambassador.
Chinese officials have been accused of using aggressive influence tactics to block the WHO’s initial response to Covid, which resulted in it losing its chance at stopping the pandemic. The UN agency’s independence is also being accused of being eroded before the spread of the virus to other parts in 2020.
Donald Trump Jr. tweeted: “As far as my concern the original will always being the Xi variant.”