Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to meet Government officials at 2pm this afternoon to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and in particular the Omicron variant that is spreading rapidly throughout parts of the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister will also discuss options for Christmas which could include tighter restrictions or simply further guidance for members of the public.
The Omicron variant is rapidly spreading throughout the country now, with the highest levels continuing to be in London and the South East, as well as parts of the Midlands and Scotland.
With schools now closed for Christmas, it’s hoped that this will limit the spread to some degree, but many scientists and ministers have concerns over the spread during the Christmas period with families meeting up with others from across the country, which could potentially lead to a super spreader event with millions catching the virus in just a few days. If this were to happen, it could lead to staff shortages even in critical areas such as hospitals and GP surgeries.
COVID-19 levels in Herefordshire remain relatively low, with the county currently recording one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates in the country, but with Omicron now confirmed in Herefordshire, infection rates are expected to rise as we head closer to Christmas and the New Year period.
It’s unclear at present whether the Prime Minister will host a COVID-19 press conference later, but we do expect further announcements to be made over the next 24 hours.
