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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Jon Robinson

Andy Burnham urges people to not cancel Christmas bookings amid Omicron uncertainty

Andy Burnham has called on people to keep their Christmas bookings and hotel reservations amid the on-going Omicron uncertainty.

The mayor of Greater Manchester added that there was no need to overreact to the new variant.

Speaking to journalists at a virtual press conference, Mr Burnham said there had "already been an impact" on bookings for Christmas bookings, and hotels in Greater Manchester.

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The mayor said: "We don't believe given the current evidence that there is a need for people to overreact, people should get in the habit of taking regular later flow tests, but there's no need to cancel events and we would encourage people not to do that as long as they're taking the right precautions."

His comments come after Health Secretary Sajid Javid also said that people should carry on with their plans for Christmas.

He added that partygoers should take a Covid lateral flow test before attending events.

Mr Burnham also confirmed that between 60% and 90% of passengers of Greater Manchester's Metrolink are using face coverings, depending on line and time of day.

He told reporters that these figures are up from the weeks before which saw people wearing masks fall to one in three.

On wearing a face covering, he added: "It’s a mark of respect to NHS staff, people are conscious that they are under massive pressure.

"Anything we can do to relieve pressure, we should be doing. If you go into the system, they are continuing to have the toughest of time."

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