Latest data released by Public Health England indicates that despite cases surging across the majority of the United Kingdom, case rates in Herefordshire remain relatively steady at the moment, with just a small handful of Omicron cases confirmed in the county at present.
In Herefordshire, a total of 130 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, taking the total number of cases reported in the county since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to 24,005.
However the picture across the rest of the United Kingdom and particularly England and Scotland is concerning. The Omicron variant is now the dominant variant in Scotland according to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and cases are also surging in London.
Million of people have already seen their Christmas parties cancelled and football matches have been postponed. This has led to severe concerns in the hospitality sector, with some companies worried they may struggle to survive beyond Christmas without further support.
93,045 new cases (people positive) were reported in the United Kingdom with a further 111 COVID-19 related deaths.
This latest news comes as Mark Drakeford announced last night that further restrictions, including the closure of nightclubs, would come into force in Wales from 27th December.
Mark Drakeford said:
“Delta will continue to be the main cause of coronavirus infections in Wales up to Christmas. But we are seeing cases of omicron increasing rapidly every day in Wales – and across the UK.
“We need a plan to keep us safe this Christmas and we need stronger measures to protect us afterwards, as we prepare for a large wave of omicron infections.
“Omicron poses a new threat to our health and safety. It is the most serious development in the pandemic to date.
“It is one we must take seriously. We will continue to put in place proportionate measures to protect people’s lives and livelihoods.
“This is a virus which thrives on human contact. Every contact we have is an opportunity for us to spread or catch the virus.”
Wales will then introduce new restrictions, including for businesses and services – from 27 December. This will include a 2m rule on social distancing in offices and putting extra measures in place to protect customers and staff, such as one-way systems and physical barriers.
Nightclubs will also close. These tougher restrictions are needed to help control the spread of omicron.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
