University of Reading professor: 'Omicron poses a threat to people everywhere'
He says its likely the variant spread before we knew it even existed.
An expert from the University of Reading says it’s likely there are unconfirmed cases of the Omicron variant throughout the UK.
It comes after 3 cases of Omicron were found in Basingstoke.
Simon Clarke, Associate Professor in Microbiology, says it’s likely the virus already spread before we knew it existed:
"I’m not sure if it has been in the UK for a huge amount of time, we’ve only known about this for four weeks, it seems.
"You’re always playing catch up with these things and you’ll always find more cases.
"It means it’s in this part of the world and its probably going to spread further. It poses a threat to people everywhere.
"It just goes to underline the importance of having a booster, because at the moment, that’s probably the best and only weapon we’ve got against this."
The government are instructing anybody who has come into contact with someone infected to isolate for 10 days, regardless of vaccination status or negative test results.
Masks are now also a requirement in shops and on public transport.
Simon Clarke added that it doesn't mean we should change our behaviour until we know more:
"It's best for people I think to just carry on with their lives and deal with it when it happens - if it happens. But the important thing to remember is that actually you’re far more likely to meet someone with the Delta variant than you are with the Omicron variant."
Simon Bryant, the Director of Public Health for Hampshire County Council, said:
"I’d really like to encourage everyone to take up the vaccine – a booster or a second dose. That does really help prevent serious illness.
"Also encouraging people to think about the measures they can take around hand hygiene, socially distancing and wearing a face covering where required."