[joglynne]

Quote from my local paper. It's a live blog so I am posting the latest post. Report of PMs expected update should be included at 5pm.

16:16 LIVE: Boris Johnson to hold press conference after Omicron coronavirus variant cases confirmed in UK
Department of Health and Social Care statement regarding new variant cases discovered
"After overnight genome sequencing, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that two cases of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 have been identified in the UK.

"The individuals that have tested positive, and all members of their households, are being re-tested and told to self-isolate while further testing and contact tracing is underway.

"The UK Health Security Agency is carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to have been infectious.

"In response to the developing situation, the UK is taking decisive action to protect public health. Confirmed cases and contacts are being followed up and requested to isolate and get tested as necessary.

"In addition, in line with updated advice from the UKHSA, from 4am Sunday Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola will be added to the travel red list. Travellers who have returned from these four countries in last 10 days must isolate and get a PCR test. UKHSA are following up recent arrivals from these countries.

"This adds to the six countries placed on the red list on Friday."

The statement from the government also said: "One case has been located in Chelmsford and the other in Nottingham. The two cases are linked and there is a link to travel to Southern Africa."

Essex County Council has since put out its own statement, clarifying that the case in Essex was found in Brentwood, not Chelmsford.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co...=breaking-news