SAJID Javid will provide an update on the new coronavirus strain during a speech to parliament today (Monday, November 29).
The Health Secretary will update MPs on the government’s response to the spread of the Omicron variant in the UK.
What time is Sajid Javid’s announcement?
Sajid Javid will give more details about the new Covid-19 restrictions during his speech this afternoon.
He is due to address the House of Commons at 3.30pm today.
What is Sajid Javid expected to announce?
The Health Secretary is expected to talk about the new coronavirus measures Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced at the weekend.
The UK now has nine confirmed cases of the Omicron variant after the Scottish government announced on Monday morning it had discovered four cases in Lanarkshire and two in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.
It is now compulsory again to wear a face mask on public transport and in shops.
Any person who comes into contact with someone who tested positive for the new variant should isolate for 10 days regardless of their vaccination status.
There are also new restrictions for travellers as anyone who enters the UK now has to take a Day 2 test and self-isolate until they get a negative result.
Mr Javid told families they should plan for a “great” Christmas “as normal” and insisted it was “nowhere near” time to reintroduce social distancing rules and work-from-home guidance.
He said it “would be irresponsible to make guarantees” during the ever-changing pandemic, but he told Sky’s Trevor Phillips on Sunday: “I think people should continue with their plans as normal for Christmas, I think it’s going to be a great Christmas.
He warned of the “very heavy price” of additional restrictions, adding: “So, if one was to make decisions like that they would have to be done very, very carefully and we’re not there yet, we’re nowhere near that.”
Mr Javid might also give an update on Covid-19 booster vaccines as scientists are expected to announce an expansion of the programme.
How can I watch Sajid Javid’s speech?
You can watch Sajid Javid’s speech on the main TV channels including the BBC and Sky News, or on YouTube.
You can also follow our website to know all the latest announcements.
