First case of Omicron identified in Lancaster
It's one of 15 to be confirmed so far in England, with a further nine in Scotland
Last updated 1st Dec 2021
A case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Lancaster, Lancashire.
UK Health Security Agency is working with Lancashire County Council's public health team and Lancaster City Council to identify contacts of the individual, who is self-isolating.
All contacts of the individual will be followed up and requested to isolate and get tested as necessary, regardless of their vaccine status.
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health for Lancashire, said: "Robust contact tracing is taking place following identification of the single case of the Omicron variant in Lancaster.
"We have more work to do to understand what, if any, spread of the new variant within the local community may have occurred and limit the opportunity for any further spread.
"While this work takes place, it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions, especially at a time when we are seeing high infection rates in Lancashire.
"The quickest way of breaking the chains of transmission is for individuals who test positive to self-isolate immediately.
"Get a PCR test if you have symptoms, isolate when asked and wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, including in shops and on public transport.
"We are also advising people to continue to test regularly using lateral flow tests and before they go to a high-risk situation.
"Vaccines remain our greatest line of defence against Covid-19, so please book your booster when you are invited.
"If you have not yet come forward for your first or second jab then please come forward – it has never been more important to do so."
The case is one of 14 to be confirmed so far in England, with a further nine in Scotland.
More information and advice is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus
What are the new restrictions, and where do you have to wear face coverings in England?
Mask wearing in shops
From Tuesday, face coverings will be mandatory in shops in England. Regardless of vaccination status, those who do not wear a mask in retail establishments - other than those who are exempt for medical purposes - will be asked to leave.
Mask wearing on public transport
While travel across the country remains permitted, face masks will also be made compulsory on public transport in England. This includes buses, trams, trains and taxis. People with medical and respiratory exemptions will not be included in these restrictions.
Students and teachers advised to wear masks
Face coverings are also "strongly advised" to be worn for students in year 7 and above in communal areas unless they are exempt. According to the Department of Education, this is to make sure they can "continue to benefit from classroom teaching".
University students encouraged to wear masks
Department for Education guidance also states that face coverings should be worn by university students and staff in communal spaces and corridors. They have also encouraged that staff and students to do lateral flow tests twice weekly.
Mask wearing in pubs as well?
As of yet, it isn't mandatory to wear a face-covering in pubs and restaurants in England. It comes as Health Minister Edward Argar explained why wearing a mask in a pub or restaurant is difficult. He said people standing at the bar are often there for a short time and will "sip a drink on their way back to a table, where they'll be seated".