14 Omicron cases in UK, face masks compulsory

November 30, 2021 15:37

UK PM Boris Johnson

Face coverings are mandatory in shops and public transport from Tuesday as part of targeted measures" to slow the spread of the Omicron variant, 14 cases of which have now been detected in the UK after Scotland reported three new infections.

The enhanced measures, announced last week as a precaution while more information is gathered and assessed on the new variant's transmissibility and any possible effect on current COVID-19 vaccines, also include compulsory PCR tests on arrival for all international travellers as well as a so-called boosted booster vaccination programme to cover all adults aged over 18.

The Omicron variant, first identified in southern Africa, is feared to have higher re-infection risk and its potential vaccine resistance due to a large number of spike proteins remains under study.

The measures taking effect today are proportionate and responsible, and will buy us time in the face of this new variant, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Search stepped up in J-K to nab terrorists behind murder of jawan's brother

The incident occurred on Monday night when the victim, Mohammad Razaq (40), came out of a mosque in his village Kunda Top under the Thanamandi police station area. Razaq's brother, Mohammad Tahir Choudhary, is a soldier in the...

IPL PIX: Stoinis slams century as LSG clinch record win!

IMAGES from the IPL 2024 match between Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.

Djokovic mulls going without coach after 20 years!

World number one Novak Djokovic is considering going without a coach after 20 years in professional tennis, the Serb said after receiving the top men's honour at the Laureus awards.

Cong tried to redirect SC/ST quota to Muslims: Modi rakes up Andhra in Raj

He said the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had given a speech in which he had said Muslims have the first right to the country's resources.

IPL is the world's best domestic T20 competition by a long way: Ponting

Australian batting great Ricky Ponting on Tuesday hailed the Indian Premier League as the world's best domestic T20 competition "by a long way", saying it is one of the best places to learn for talented youngsters such as Jake...