This year we’re not just counting down sleeps before Christmas, we’re also counting the time it takes the Omicron variant to double, and the steps needed to stay as safe as possible. So, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is asking people in the West Midlands to box clever this year and give the best Christmas gift, protection for you and your loved ones.
Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, top of your list to Santa should be the COVID-19 vaccine – that could be your first or second jab or the booster. It’s the best gift you and your loved ones can receive.
The next party trick is having fun while staying COVID savvy. Take personal responsibility for protecting yourself and others – there are lots of things you can do. Think about whether you need to go out, what are the risks and how you can reduce them. You can take lateral flow tests (LFTs) before you visit Santa or meet friends and family, ventilate your house when guests arrive (particularly Rudolph) or alternatively meet outside. And if you feel off colour then do take a test and stay away from others, COVID-19 and winter bugs are unwanted gifts we can’t return.
Katie Spence, Regional Deputy Director for the UKHSA West Midlands said: “Since cases of Omicron were first detected a month ago, this strain has quickly become the dominant variant in the UK. Currently the doubling time is approximately 1.5 days – in sharp contrast to 7 days for the Delta variant, and we now have over 5,400 confirmed cases in the West Midlands region (up from over 4,300 yesterday).
“There is still much we don’t know about this variant, however with a greater number of people becoming infected, there is increased likelihood of more people becoming seriously unwell, and some needing hospital treatment. That is why we need to take up the offer of our COVID-19 vaccines and booster as soon as we are eligible – this is our best line of defence and the best gift to help us have the greatest chance to enjoy the festive season with those we love.”
If you’re donning your party dress or Christmas jumper to meet with friends, or going to parties, for a drink or meal, to the theatre, cinema, a music or sporting event – a festive essential is a Lateral Flow Test (LFT) before you go out.
UKHSA West Midlands’ Katie Spence said: “We must all do what we can to stay safe while enjoying the festivities, so that may mean prioritising what we do and where we go. Testing is really important, especially if mixing with people outside your household, so please do take a Lateral Flow Test (LFT) before you go out, if you will be spending time indoors, and log results online within 24 hours. This information will be added to your NHS app – where you can also download your NHS Covid Pass. From 15 December, either a NHS Covid Pass or evidence of a negative LFT is needed for entry into large venues with 500+ people – but do also check the conditions being asked by individual venues.”
Any university students that have travelled home for the holidays should have taken a rapid test before travelling – they should also take a rapid test before going back to university. LFT tests are available at pharmacies, who receive regular supplies of testing kits.
People with any symptoms should take a PCR test as quickly as possible and remain isolating until they either get a negative result confirmed or following the appropriate isolation period if positive. Contacts of a confirmed case of COVID-19 who have had two doses of the vaccine or are under 18 should now take a daily Lateral Flow Test for 7 days. Anyone who has not received their first two doses of the vaccine must still isolate for 10 days.
Katie Spence added: “As public health professionals, we can give you the best advice and guidance, but ultimately, it’s up to every single person to act responsibly and do the best they can for themselves, their loved ones, and to support our NHS – who are working hard to get first, second and booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine into as many arms as possible by January. So please help us help you to stay well by taking up the offer of your vaccines as soon as you are eligible.
“We’re now nearly two years into the pandemic, and we have all had to adapt to live with the backdrop of COVID-19 and respond to the fresh challenges it keeps bringing. Things like regularly washing and sanitising our hands, wearing face coverings, ventilating indoor spaces, testing, isolating, and getting vaccinated have become part of normal life.
“I wish everyone a very happy and healthy festive holiday, and however you spend it, do all you can to help yourself and others stay well, and support our NHS.”
