As Christmas fast approaches we again find ourselves in the midst of a worsening situation with the pandemic. The Omicron variant is growing much faster than the previous Delta variant, doubling every two to three days – risking a potentially serious rise in hospitalisations and deaths which could overwhelm our NHS. To prevent this we’ve introduced proportionate and responsible measures to slow down the spread of this variant giving us time to ramp up our booster programme; fortifying our existing wall of defence.
The booster programme is a massive national mission, aiming to offer every eligible adult their booster before the New Year. I want to thank our local teams who’ve jumped straight into action, scaling up the vaccine programme at a moments notice. Across Sussex, every care home has been visited by the booster programme, and in West Sussex, nearly 60% of the most at-risk (all those over 50 or people with underlying health conditions) have received their booster. A number that is rapidly growing. This is hugely important as early research from Pfizer suggests that a third dose of their vaccine neutralised the Omicron variant to levels similar to the impact of two doses against the original strain of coronavirus.
Earlier this week MPs voted to implement Plan B, which we announced earlier this year for an eventuality such as this. These new measures are proportionate and ensure no businesses are forced to close, and that there are no restrictions on social gatherings. Work from home guidance has been issued, but the only legal restrictions in place are the mandatory wearing of face masks in most indoor public places and requiring a negative lateral flow test or proof of double vaccination via the NHS Covid-19 Pass.
For Christmas this year the best present you can get yourself, and others around you, is your booster jab.
