Urgent call for double jabs as Omicron variant is detected in Lancashire
The case was identified in Lancaster yesterday
Last updated 2nd Dec 2021
Health bosses are urging anyone who still hasn't had both their COVID jabs to make it a priority to protect themselves against the new Omicron variant.
Lancashire's first case of the Omicron varient was identified in the Lancaster area yesterday, which has lead to Public Health Directors to make an urgent call for people across the region to complete their first course of the COVID vaccine as soon as possible.
Nearly one in four people across the county still haven't had both doses of the vaccine meaning they'll have to wait until March to get their booster.
Professor Kate Ardern, Wigan's Public Health Director, says that it's vital people don't put it off and to get their jabs as soon as possible.
Professor Arden said: "It's about getting up to speed with your jabs, be it your flu or primary course of COVID. Please, if you haven't completed your primary course of the COVID vaccine, just book. No one is going to tell you off for not completing it, we just want you to come forward and get that.
"If you look at Greater Manchester as a whole, we still have around 27% of the adult population who aren't double jabbed, so they haven't completed their primary course. Given what we're seeing elsewhere with Omicron that is a little bit worrying for us.
"The last thing we need is another variant of COVID which is not only more transmittable, but potentially has other implications. It's really important that we really up as much vaccination uptake as we can get in the next week or two before it takes hold in the North West of England."
Thousands of people are expected to come forward for their booster after the government announced anyone aged between 18 to 39 can get one in the coming weeks.
As more and more people come forward to get their booster jabs, there is an crucial call for volunteers to step up and help Lancashire's defence against the Omicron variant.
"Vaccines remain our greatest line of defence against Covid-19"
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health for Lancashire, said: "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."
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".