New restrictions to tackle Omicron variant

The Government has introduced temporary new restrictions in response to concerns that the new Omicron variant could prove more infectious and less responsive to vaccines than previous variants.

The following measures have been introduced as a precaution to slow down the spread of the Omicron variant while the government gathers more information.

😷 Face coverings are now mandatory again on public transport and school buses, in communal areas in secondary schools, in shops and in other enclosed public spaces

🏠 All contacts of new variant cases should stay home and self-isolate for 10 days even if fully jabbed - you will be contacted by National Track and Trace team or the United Kingdom Health Security Agency 

✈️ Even if you are fully vaccinated, there are changes to international travel rules and if you arrive in England from abroad you now need to:

• self-isolate on arrival and book a PCR test
• take a PCR test before the end of day 2 after you arrive (lateral flow tests will not be accepted)
• remain in self-isolation until you receive a negative PCR test result.

💉 You can help to stop the spread of Omicron by getting your first, second and booster vaccinations as soon as you are eligible.

What we know about Omicron so far

Our public health team answered some of your questions on the Omicron variant during a Facebook Live Covid-19 update earlier this afternoon. You can watch it on replay by hitting the button below.

Omicron was first reported from South Africa last week, with early evidence suggesting it has a higher reinfection risk.

Scientists are learning more hour by hour but it does appear that Omicron spreads very rapidly and can be spread between people who are double vaccinated.

We need to slow down the spread of this variant here in the UK, because measures at the border can only ever minimise and delay the arrival of a new variant rather than stop it all together.

Why do we have to wear face coverings again?

When someone with COVID-19 breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release particles into the air that may contain coronavirus, and these particles can be breathed in by other people.

By covering your nose and mouth with a face covering, you will reduce the spread of droplets by limiting the amount released when you talk and breathe. It helps to protect others. 

Some people will be exempt from wearing face coverings, due to their health or circumstance, and some will carry an exemption card by choice.

Stopping the spread in schools

You can help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Cornwall's schools and keep everyone safe.

If your child is feeling unwell, make sure they get a PCR test bit.ly/2MCwm5M

 Staff and children from Year 7 up should wear a face covering in communal areas and on school busses unless exempt and wash their hands regularly.
 

Cases are still rising

Cornwall has seen another increase in COVID rates and as of today we are at 505 cases per 100,000, compared to 437 cases per 100,000 in England.

We’re largely seeing cases among schoolchildren, with almost half of cases in the last seven days being in those aged under 20. This has increased transmission rates in homes and into workplaces. The numbers of those in hospital also increased over the last seven days.

While 73% of Cornwall residents have already received their vaccinations we know there are still a lot of people who haven't had their first, second or booster jabs and we urge them to book an appointment now.

Keep doing the basics

In the meantime, we encourage everyone to keep staying safe by:

• Following the new guidance
• Getting the vaccines, and booster doses when you are eligible
• Washing your hands often
• Letting fresh air in if you are socialising indoors
• Get PCR tested if you have any possible symptoms and not just use an LFD test. LFDs are less sensitive than a PCR and will miss some cases.