Omicron

Thank you for contacting me about the Government response to the new Omicron Covid variant and the measures which were introduced last week on 13 December.

Whilst I supported the Government’s Plan B, which I believe is a fair and proportionate response to the Omicron surge, I understand the diverse opinions of people who have raised concerns and objections. Firstly, it is important to say that Plan B is not a lockdown and did not impose restrictions on social gatherings nor did it close businesses. However, hospitality has seen a marked slow down as people have cancelled bookings in an effort to avoid illness and isolation over Christmas, and today’s announcement of a £1billion package of support is welcome.

There was concern that proof of vaccination in order to attend mass events and nightclubs would signal the introduction of a covid passport, which had been indicated as a possibility in the original Plan. However, evidence of a recent negative lateral flow test has been included in the measures as a reasonable alternative which is keeping these events operating and keeping people and staff safe. In reality, any Government measure which requires people to make changes to or curtail aspects of their lives should be balanced and proportionate to the harm. The Omicron variant is much more transmissible, spreading faster than other variants with a current seven-day average of 72,000 per day, and whilst hospitalisations and deaths are still lagging, illness and isolation is beginning to impact on services.

At the time of writing, it is unclear if further measures will be necessary but in any event Plan B will be reviewed at the start of January and restrictions are due to expire on 26 January, however I acknowledge this is a fast moving situation.