Londoners urged to remain cautious as Omicron variant hits the capital
Six cases have been confirmed in parts of London
Last updated 1st Dec 2021
Eight more cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant have been detected in England, the UK Health Security Agency said.
The new cases include six in London one each in Haringey, Sutton, Camden, and Westminster and two in Barnet.
The two remaining were found in Liverpool and in north Norfolk.
Health officials have confirmed that those who tested positive and their contacts are all isolating.
Health protection experts at the UKHSA have been working with London boroughs to investigate where the cases have been.
They're also carrying out targeted testing at areas where the positive cases were likely to be infectious.
"Help keep each other safe for the holidays"
London's Regional Director of Public Health, Professor Kevin Fenton said in a statement shared on Twitter:
"London is an internationally well-connected, densely populated city and major transport hub. New variants, whether home-grown or from overseas, can spread very quickly once introduced.
"We need Londoners to remain cautious and take steps to keep COVID-safe, particularly at a time when our overall coronavirus rates are going up."
Professor Fenton also urged Londoners to get their vaccines and start wearing face coverings as the latest advice from the Government suggests.
His statement read:
"Get vaccinated - first dose, second dose, booster. Wear a face covering on public transport, shops and crowded places. Isolate immediately and get a PCR test if you have symptoms. Use a lateral flow test before socialising, meet outdoors if you can as it is safer, and open a window to let in fresh air if you meet indoors.
"All of these individual actions can make a difference to help slow the spread of infection, and help keep each other safe for the holidays."
Omicron could overwhelm the NHS, experts warn
Experts have warned ministers that the Omicron variant could have "very serious consequences" and may even overwhelm NHS capacity.
Government scientists said that would be the case, unless "robust" measures are taken.
Their initial conclusions are based largely on what's known from cases in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Sajid Javid has admitted offering a booster to all adults by the end of January is a "huge ask".
Efforts are underway to get jabs in arms following the massive expansion of the programme.
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".