THE UK has now got NINE confirmed cases of the mutant Covid variant Omicron – as Scotland reported six new infections this morning.
It comes as officials are desperately scrambling to stop the spread of the worrying new variant.
It has reached UK shores less than a week after being reported as a concern in African countries.
Three cases of the new Omicron variant had already been identified in England – although officials fear that means hundreds could already be infected.
However, there are more than 150 further infections in the UK already, Government sources have claimed.
The Scottish Government said that four of the Covid-19 Omicron variant cases identified in Scotland are in the Lanarkshire area, with two in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.
Scotland’s Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “This will be a worrying time for the six people now identified as having the new variant.
“All will receive expert help and support and Public Health Scotland will undertake enhanced contact tracing in all cases.
Read our Omicron variant live blog for the latest news & updates
It comes as:
- A couple fleeing an Omicron quarantine hotel in Holland are arrested after flying in from South Africa
- A minister says restrictions are unlikely to be tightened further over the next three weeks
- An expert has warned that PCR costs could spiral under the Government’s new Covid rules
- Parents fear the new mutation will cause ‘chaos’ in schools
- A rugby match at Twickenham ‘may have been a super-spreader event’
“This will help establish the origin of the virus and any further individuals they have come into contact with in recent weeks.
“There is still much to learn about the Omicron variant. Questions remain about its severity, transmissibility and response to treatments or vaccines and scientists are working at pace to provide additional information.
“Until more is known we must be cautious and do everything we can to minimise the risk of spreading infection.”
He added: “We have already taken steps and are aligning with the new border restrictions being introduced by the UK Government which will require fully vaccinated arrivals to take a PCR test within two days of arrival and to self-isolate until a negative result is received.
“These measures will be introduced as soon as possible and kept under constant review. However, we reserve the right to go further if necessary. We are also adopting the expanded red list of countries identified by the UK Government. This will also be kept under review.”
He said that all close contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be advised to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of their vaccination status.
Ministers and scientists are hurriedly working to know just how contagious and dangerous Omicron is.
Last night there were extensive contact tracing efforts in Westminster after it emerged the latest confirmed case had visited before leaving the UK.
Mr Javid has so far dismissed calls for a further lockdown as infections and hospitalisations are “nowhere near” the level required.
He yesterday said people “should continue with their plans for normal as Christmas” – but warned it would be “irresponsible” for him to guarantee there’ll be no further restrictions in the future.
Boris Johnson introduced a range of measures to slow the spread on Saturday.
Brits must now wear masks in shops and on public transport, while anyone who comes into contact with a person who tests positive for Omicron is to isolate for 10 days.
Travellers arriving in the UK from anywhere in the world must take a PCR test by the end of their second day in the country and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
Elsewhere, a minister has today admitted the UK “can’t stop” the spread of Omicron.
