SAJID Javid today said that Christmas lockdowns can be avoided if Brits get booster jabs and begin self-testing regularly.
According to the health secretary, Omicron is the Omicron variant. “may have given the virus extra legs”In the fight against vaccines, but can be overcome.
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He also said that new restrictions, including travel curbs and mask wear, will be removed if there is a false alarm.
After top scientists attempted to calm public nerves over Omicron, Mr Javid made his remarks.
Jonathan Van Tam, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, addressed a press conference. “I don’t want people to panic at this stage”.
The booster jabs program, according to the health secretary is still the best method to protect people’s rights.
Omicron could reduce the effectiveness vaccines, but he stated that Omicron was not to be taken lightly. “it’s highly unlikely they will have no effectiveness at all against serious disease”.
He revealed that unvaccinated Brits were coming forward for jabs during the weekend. “perhaps out of concern over this new variant”.
British ministers, Mr Javid said, are taking a “well-rounded view”These restrictions are primarily focused on “the economy, education, and mental health”.
He said: “Getting a jab when the time comes, following the rules we’ve put in place and getting rapid, regular tests.
“If we all come together once again, then we can keep this virus at bay and protect the progress that we’ve made.”
He also added: “If it emerges this variant is no more dangerous than the Delta variant, we won’t keep measures place for a day longer than is necessary.”
When Omicron was considered a threat, the Health Sec stated “what matters more than anything is hospitalisations”.
He also emphasized that Britain’s decision over the summer to fully open its borders means that we have better defenses against the variant than other countries.
He also added: “There are many of my counterparts in Europe that now believe they should’ve taken a similar route as well.”
Britain is willing to purchase modified doses vaccines in order to fight the new variant, if it reduces the effectiveness of existing jabs.
He stated that if it is necessary to obtain new vaccines, which we believe will be safe and effective for this new variant, we will.
Mr Javid confirmed that the details of new restrictions will take effect at 4 a.m. tomorrow.
These include the wearing of a mask on public transport like trains, buses, or trams.
Brits will have to cover their faces in shops, banks and post offices, as well as hairdressers.
However, they are not required for hospitality venues like bars and restaurants and entertainment venues such as theatres and cinemas.
All people arriving in Britain from abroad will also have to quarantine and take a PCR test on their second day in the country.
If they get a negative result, they will be allowed to go into isolation.
For Omicron positive people, self-isolation rules are being reintroduced.
Those who have been in touch with someone who gets the new variant will have to self-quarantine for 10 days even if they’re vaccinated.
MPs will vote on the new restrictions in the next few days.
If we all come together once again, then we can keep this virus at bay and protect the progress that we’ve made
Sajid Javid, Health Secretary
His comments come after scientists today approved faster booster jabs for all UK adult citizens.
Million of Brits will be eligible for their top up shot early after just a three month gap in a bid to turbo-charge the nation’s immunity.
Ministers pledged to continue on the “front foot”in the battle against the new Omicron variant.
The new advice was confirmed by government scientists. This will allow an additional 13 million people aged over 18 to be eligible for a third shot prior to the end of this year.
Experts predict that by reducing the time gap between the second dose and the third, from six to three to three months, the UK will be better prepared for the new Covid version.
Kids aged 12 to 15 will also be offered a second dose of the vaccine, in an attempt to shore up the nation’s immunity in the face of the worrying new strain.
Central Recorder has issued another call for Jabs Army volunteers following the announcement that the booster shot could have been offered sooner.
We need 25,000 NHS volunteer responders to help out at hundreds of vaccination centres UK-wide.
And with scientists urging anyone eligible for a booster to get one by December 11 and under 18s being considered for second vaccinations, our Jabs Army needs you.
Volunteers are needed in England, but there are also 20 areas that need your help right now.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam described it as the “new kid on the block”Warning scientists around the world were left worried by this warning.
He told the nation at a Downing Street briefing: “Its always been the case that at some point, we’ll get a variant that gives us heightened concern.
“We are at that moment with Omicron.”