Advice has been issued to the people of Merseyside after a case of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 was detected in the region.
Yesterday it was confirmed that a case of the new variant, which is causing some concerns around the world, had been registered in Liverpool.
Local health bosses are now working quickly to trace the contacts of the person who has been infected and that person is self isolating.
Read more: Race to trace contacts of Liverpool Omnicron Covid case
While Omicron - first recorded in South Africa - is thought to be a more transmissible variant, it is not yet known whether it will cause more severe illness or make our current vaccines less effective.
Now public health directors across Merseyside, as well as in neighbouring Cheshire are offering new advice following the discovery of the new variant in Liverpool.
The statement reads: "With each hour, we are learning more about the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 that has been described as a Variant of Concern (VOC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is currently a Variant Under Investigation by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
"Early indications suggest that it is highly transmissible, and we may see an increase in cases, as well as an increase in hospitalisations. However, we must wait until we learn more over the coming weeks before we can be sure of the impact this will have. There is no evidence yet that it causes more serious disease.
"We can absolutely understand that, especially in the run up to the festive season, this is incredibly unwelcome and frustrating news. We can understand those who want to see fewer restrictions and reminders of this pandemic, not more, and as Directors of Public Health, we are desperate to see a return to normal.
"However, it is our duty to respond to situations as they arise and provide you with the advice that will help keep you, your community, and your loved ones safe, as well as protect our local NHS."
The public health directors say that there are 'many reasons to remain positive and hopeful', namely the hugely successful vaccination programme.
But to avoid a situation where the region's infection rate gets 'out of control', the health bosses are urging people to follow this advice:
-Join the 46 million people in the UK who are fully vaccinated
- Get a booster shot if you are over 18 and it’s been three months since your second jab – the effectiveness of any vaccine slightly drops over time, so it’s very important to get a ‘top-up’ to ensure you are as safe as possible
- Continue to wear face coverings – from Tuesday 30 November, it is a legal requirement to wear face coverings in shops and on public transport, consider wearing one in other crowded spaces with lots of people
- Continue to practice good hand hygiene, in particular hand washing
- Make an effort to ventilate spaces – ensuring a constant flow of fresh air can make a big difference, you can open windows, doors and vents, even opening for 10 minutes to let some fresh air can really help
- Keep getting tested regularly with PCR tests if you have symptoms and Lateral Flow tests if you do not
- Get tested before meeting up with others and don’t go if your test is positive
- Self-isolate if you are told to do so by NHS Test and Trace or local authority public health teams and minimise your contact with others if you know you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive
Liverpool Director of Public Heath Liverpool, Matthew Ashton, said: “Omicron is a new variant and we have more work to do to understand how easily this can be transmitted, and how well vaccines work to protect against it.
“In the meantime, it is important that we all play our part to slow its spread and prevent transmission by keeping Covid-safe.
“Vaccination is crucial – please get your first, second and your booster jab without delay.
He added: “Please wear a face covering in all enclosed spaces, including on public transport, shops and crowded places. If you have symptoms, isolate immediately and get a PCR test."
Professor Ashton also encouraged everyone to take a lateral flow test before socialising and ideally to test themselves twice a week if going into workplaces or shopping.
He said: “It is safer to meet outdoors, and open a window to let in fresh air if you meet indoors.”
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