Due to the risks of the Omicron variant, the government announced on Wednesday (08/12), that England will move to Plan B.
So far, there are early signs that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is more transmissible than the Delta variant, which represents almost all cases in MK at present.
This suggests that cases are expected to rise quickly now that four cases of the Omicron the variant have been detected in the borough.
From today (Friday 10th december), the public, and staff in public facing areas, are required to wear face coverings in these additional settings:
- community centres (including village halls), youth centres, members clubs and social clubs
- libraries and public reading rooms
- polling stations and premises used for the counting of votes
- places of worship
- crematoria and burial ground chapels
- visitor attractions and entertainment venues (museums, galleries, cinemas, indoor theatres, concert halls, cultural and heritage sites, indoor areas at aquariums, zoos and visitor farms, bingo halls, snooker and pool halls, amusement arcades, adventure activity centres, indoor sports stadiums, funfairs, indoor theme parks, casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor play areas including soft-play areas)
- public areas in hotels and hostels
- indoor areas of sports stadiums
From Monday 13th December, residents should work from home if they can.
From Wednesday 15th December you’ll need to show your NHS Covid Pass at nightclubs, some venues and large events to show you’re fully vaccinated, have had a negative test result in the last 48 hours, or you have an exemption.
Residents in Milton Keynes are being urged to take sensible precautions to prevent spread such as wearing face coverings and taking regular lateral flow tests.
Director of Public Health for Milton Keynes, Vicky Head said: “There are many unknowns about the new variant, but we do know vaccination remains critical to reduce the chance of severe illness. Being vaccinated remains the single biggest thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 and your booster will give you vital extra protection.
"However, vaccination alone isn’t enough, and it’s more important than ever to keep up with precautions like wearing a face covering, taking regular tests even if you feel well, and making sure you ventilate indoor spaces when meeting with others.”
Top precautions to reduce the risk of catching or passing on COVID-19 are:
- Be fully vaccinated. Find out more about booster vaccinations including walk-in sessions at www.blmkccg.nhs.uk/covid-19/booster
- Stay at home if you have COVID-19 symptoms and book a PCR test as soon as possible. Use lateral flow tests regularly even if you have no symptoms, as one in three people with COVID-19 will not experience symptoms.
- Wear a face covering in busy indoor areas. Face coverings are once again mandatory in shops and on public transport.
- The risk of catching the virus is higher in crowded and poorly ventilated places. When meeting up with people you don’t live with, choose an outdoor space if you can or open windows to let fresh air in if you meet indoors.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly – especially before and after coming into contact with areas touched by many people, and before eating.
