Two cases of the variant have been detected in the UK.
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Two cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant have been detected in the UK.
Here is how the variant went from an emerging cause for concern in southern parts of Africa to arriving in the country.
November 23
UK scientists first become aware of the new strain after samples are uploaded on to a coronavirus variant tracking website from South Africa, Hong Kong and then Botswana.
November 25
Downing Street said the variant will be kept under “close investigation”.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said early indicators show it may be more transmissible than the Delta variant and the vaccines may be less effective against it.
It is announced that from the next day, six southern African countries – South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Botswana – will be added to the travel red list, meaning flights are suspended.
People arriving before then are told to self-isolate at home and take a PCR test on day two and day eight. Anyone who arrived up to 10 days prior are also told to take tests.
Mr Javid said scientists are “deeply concerned” about the variant, and mentioned turning to Plan B of coronavirus restrictions.
November 26
Scientists describe the variant as “very serious”, with Professor James Naismith, director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute, declaring it will “almost certainly” make the vaccines less effective.
Mr Javid updates MPs in the Commons on the variant called B.1.1.529, saying it “is highly likely that it has now spread to other countries”.
The Health Secretary tells of “very live” discussions over the prospect of adding further countries to the red list.
He confirms the Government is still following Plan A for managing Covid-19 in the autumn and winter but warns “if we need to go further, we will”.
Downing Street later urges those who have recently returned from one of the six southern African countries not to wait for NHS Test and Trace to contact them before getting tested.
On the back of the news, around £72 billion is wiped off London’s top shares as FTSE 100 drops by 3.6%, one of its biggest points fall since the early days of the pandemic in March 2020.
Later in the day, it is designated a variant of concern by the World Health Organisation, and named Omicron.
Boris Johnson speaks to South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss the challenges of the variant.
November 27
Two cases of the Omicron Covid-19 variant are discovered in Brentwood and in Nottingham, the Department of Health & Social Care said.
The individuals that tested positive, and all members of their households, are retested and told to self-isolate.
Mr Javid said the two cases are linked, as Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola are added to the travel red list.
It is announced that the Prime Minister will host a press conference in Downing Street alongside chief medical officer Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.
