Omicron case confirmed in North Norfolk
It's one of 8 new cases in England
Last updated 1st Dec 2021
A case of the omicron variant of coronavirus has been confirmed in North Norfolk.
It's one of 8 new cases identified by the UK Health Security Agency, bringing the total in England to 13.
Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of UKHSA, said: "It is very likely that we will find more cases over the coming days as we are seeing in other countries globally and as we increase case detection through focused contact tracing. That's why it's critical that anyone with Covid-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately."
Dr Louise Smith, Norfolk’s Director of Public Health, said: “Today we have been made aware of a case linked to the Omicron variant in North Norfolk. While new information is still coming in on this variant, the early evidence has clearly shown a high level of transmissibility, and as such we can expect positive cases to be identified across the country, including in our county, and so sadly this development is not a surprise.
"The case identified in North Norfolk is linked to known travel to South Africa: we are in contact with the positive case and their household to take all the necessary public health actions.
“The important thing, as with previous variants of the virus, is to break the chain of transmission: I’d encourage anybody who hasn't yet had their first or second dose of the vaccine to do so, and for those eligible for their booster dose to take this up as soon as possible. We also encourage everybody to test regularly, and to isolate if they have a positive test or symptoms of Covid-19.
"For the Omicron variant and in general, we will continue to update and develop our local response according to the latest national guidance and best available scientific evidence.”
Duncan Baker, North Norfolk's MP told us that Norfolk's booster jab programme is being ramped up by 25% across the county in response to the Omicron variant was found in county yesterday.