I suspect many people feel they are playing a strange game of British Bulldog at the moment, just trying to get to Christmas without being knocked to the floor by Covid.
Since the first case in Brentwood at the end of last month, transmission of Omicron has increased exponentially. Scientists are learning more every day about this variant, and data is still being collected about its full impact on transmission, illness and hospitalisation. But I must emphasise that there is one thing we already know for sure: right now, our single best defence against Omicron is vaccination. Anyone who has not yet had their booster must get it as a matter of urgency. The additional immunity of a third jab is crucial to preventing the worst possible consequences of the variant.
We know from experience that exponential growth leads to a sudden rise in hospitalisations and if too many people are in hospital at the same time the NHS will be unable to cope. That is why it is the proportionate and responsible thing has been to move to Plan B in England.
I am fully aware of some people’s concerns about the impact of COVID-status certification on their daily lives, but am reassured by the Government’s decision to only mandate certification in certain venues and that people can use a negative lateral flow test instead if they are unvaccinated. Steps such as these can reduce the speed at which Omicron spreads and so can reduce the likelihood of health services being overwhelmed.
Those who are unvaccinated are more likely to become more ill, and require more complex hospital treatment, or even die, than those who have the protection from the vaccine. And so my final message of 2021 to Gazette readers, is, please, get your jabs. Nothing is more important in our fight against the virus. I hope you all manage to have a very happy Christmas.
