‘Expect to see more cases’ - warning from Bristol’s health boss after first Omicron case

The public health boss for Bristol has warned of more cases of the Omicron variant in the city in the coming days.

Bristol City Council’s director for public health and communities, Christina Gray, made a statement after it was confirmed the city had its first case of the variant.

All close contacts to the person infected have been identified by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and asked to take PCR tests.

They are self-isolating at they await their results, the city council said.

Commenting after the announcement, Ms Gray said: “We continue to work closely with UKHSA and our local partners to protect the health and safety of local people, however, we should expect to see more cases in quick succession in the coming days and weeks.”

She said data expected to be published shortly by the UKHSA will also show a number of possible cases not yet confirmed.

Nationally, the number of confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, believed to be more transmissible than the Delta variant, was 333 yesterday.

Today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is believed to be considering measures including guidance to work from home and the introduction of domestic vaccine passports for events and large venues.

However, Downing Street sources have insisted ‘no decisions have been made’.

In Bristol, Ms Gray said the message to people to stop the spread of coronavirus remained the same for the Omicron variant of the virus.

“The preventative and protective measures for Omicron are the same as for existing variants,” she said.

She reminded people to remain cautious and follow precautionary actions such as washing hands, covering faces, and increasing access to fresh air and ventilation.

She also surged those feeling unwell to stay at home, and people with Covid symptoms, no matter how mild, to book a PCR test.

She added: “Both PCR and lateral flow tests are picking up infection from the Omicron variant.

“If you’re heading into town to do some Christmas shopping, going to a social event or somewhere you might be mixing with people in crowded, indoor places, please take a lateral flow (rapid) test.

“This is equally important if you’re visiting a friend, family member or loved one who is more vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19.”

She added: “By continuing to follow these precautionary measures, we can protect our communities and those most vulnerable. Every action, however small, makes a difference. We will keep you up to date with any further information or action.”

Latest figures for Bristol show 78,732 people have been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19, up 268 from Monday to Tuesday.

The rate of infection in Bristol now stands at 16,900 cases per 100,000 people, higher than the England average of 15,839.