30 November 2021
West Yorkshire Prepared response to PM’s announcement re. Omicron variant
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Saturday (27 November) in response to the emergence of the new Omicron variant, West Yorkshire’s Local Resilience Forum is appealing to people in West Yorkshire to continue protecting each other and prevent the spread of infection by following the updated guidance.
While the latest announcement may be worrying to some, it is sensible to take precautions until we know more about the new variant, the symptoms it causes and how the vaccine will perform against it. It does appear that Omicron spreads very rapidly and can be spread between people who are double vaccinated. For this reason, we would strongly urge everyone to continue doing all you can to reduce the risk of infection and protect yourself and those around you.
Face coverings will be legally required in a number of venues, including shops and on public transport, from today (Tuesday 30 November). In addition, there are other measures you should continue to take:
- Wear face coverings in other crowded and enclosed areas where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet.
- Minimise the number of people you come into close contact with If you do need to meet with others, try to meet outdoors. If meeting indoors, let fresh air in. Opening windows for just 10 minutes each hour can make a significant difference.
- If you have symptoms, get a PCR test and self-isolate Book a PCR test via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
- If you haven’t already received the COVID-19 vaccine, you should get vaccinated now To book, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine.
As an LRF, our priority continues to be the safety of our region – in schools, workplaces, communities and on public transport. The majority of people in West Yorkshire have put a huge amount of effort into keeping each other safe throughout this pandemic, and we must ensure this continues.
For reliable, up to date information on Covid-19, please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus or www.nhs.uk/coronavirus. To keep up to date with West Yorkshire Prepared, please visit www.westyorkshireprepared.org.uk or follow us on Facebook (@WYPrepared) or Twitter (@WYRForum).
For a full list of venues requiring face coverings, visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own