Three possible cases of Omicron variant of Covid-19 found at Bury St Edmunds schools
The Public Health Team at the county council identified two suspected cases at Sybil Andrews Academy and one suspected case at Abbotts Green Academy
Last updated 8th Dec 2021
Three potential cases of Covid-19 caused by the Omicron variant have been identified in Suffolk. They were found at two Bury St Edmunds schools, Sybil Andrews Academy and Abbotts Green Academy, both on Moreton Hall estate.
Testing is underway to confirm if these cases are linked with the variant. A spokesperson from the councils says:
"The Health Protection Team is working closely with the school and the UK Health Security Agency. All close contacts have been identified and asked to self-isolate in line with the current guidance for suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19.
"At present there has been one confirmed case of Omicron in Suffolk and 16 suspected cases, with work underway to identify and isolate all cases and their contacts.
“We encourage everyone to take precautions and step up infection control measures, including face coverings, ventilation, hand washing and lateral flow tests when meeting others outside of your household. It is also important to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible and have the booster jab as soon as it becomes available.”
In a statement published earlier, Suffolk Public Health Director Stuart Keeble said that it was inevitable that viruses mutate, and urged people to get the protection of the vaccine.
"There will inevitably be community transmission of Omicron in Suffolk. Like before, we will make early efforts to identify and isolate all cases and their contacts to slow down any associated transmission.
“We shouldn’t panic. Viruses mutate and we will face more in the future. We know what to do - get fully vaccinated as soon as possible. That includes your booster jab when you get invited.
“Living safely is about using our common sense. As there is uncertainty around Omicron, it’s sensible to take precautions. We are not saying people should stop seeing their friends and family or meet up with colleagues to celebrate Christmas. We are, however, asking people to step up the infection control measures, including face coverings, ventilation, washing hands, lateral flow tests when you meet others outside your household. If there are situations where you do not need to meet in person and can do virtually then let’s do so.