Omicron spreading rapidly in South Africa where it was first identified. It is spreading rapidly amongst those who have been vaccinated or who have high levels of immunity to covid-19.
Omicron is a wake up call. We may think we can forget covid-19, it has not forgotten us.
In UK, booster vaccine rollout has been accelerated, three months interval from second vaccine not six months, all adults. Now seen as a third vaccine.
But we have to have all our defences in place.
Mask wearing has to apply to all venues, not merely shops and public transport. And with enforcement.
For international travel, negative PCR test 48 hours prior to travel to enter UK, then on day 2 and day 8 with self isolation.
CEO of Moderna has warned vaccines may not be effective against Omicron. Work in the lab, two vaccinations not affective, addition of a booster vaccination adds protection, hence an accelerated booster programme to have every adult in the UK with a booster by the end of the year. That means at least one millions boosters every day, currently running at a little over 400,000 every day. A very ambitious programme.
We are now seeing he first omicron hospital admissions. Within the next couple of weeks we will see the first deaths.
Boosting the booster programme, the introduction of Plan B, are welcome measures, but we should have introduce Plan B more than two weeks ago, we now need to go further, if not lockdown.
- coronavirus vaccine certificate produced and scanned to enter any indoor public space or outdoor gathering
- enforcement of existing measures
- social distancing
- closure of nightclubs and binge drinking bars
- ban on Christmas parties
- sick pay for those self isolating
- work from home wherever possible
I am seeing shops, public transport, a significant minority not wearing masks.
Lunatic fringe of Tory Party frothing at the mouth at minor inconvenience of wearing a mask is not helping, it plays into the hands of anti-vaxx fascists.
Tags: coronavirus, covid-19, omicron, Plan B
Keithpp's Blog 
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