One confirmed case of Omicron variant found in Surrey

The UK Health Security agency is leading the investigation into one confirmed case of the Omicron variant in Spelthorne. Surrey County Council and the Borough Council are working closely with UKHSA to ensure that all contact tracing and appropriate Public Health actions, such as increased testing, take place.

Ruth Hutchinson, Surrey’s Director of Public Health said,

“I want to reassure everyone in Surrey that we are working with UKHSA to minimise the spread of the Omicron variant. Residents do not need to take any further action, other than to continue to be vigilant and follow the public health guidance and new Government measures.

“We currently have some of the highest Covid infection rates in the country in our Districts and Boroughs, but everyone can help slow the spread of the virus by taking some simple steps.

“It is never too late to get vaccinated. It is one of the single most effective things we can all do to stop the spread of Covid. And it is important people get the booster as soon as they are eligible to have the best protection.

“We have proof that the vaccine works. Between January and September this year, the risk of dying from Covid was 32 times greater in people who were unvaccinated. 

“We all need to keep up the prevention measures too. Please follow Government rules on mandatory face masks in shops and on public transport. Testing, hand hygiene and meeting outdoors, or in well ventilated spaces are all ways you can keep yourself and others safe.

“If you have symptoms, no matter how mild, isolate and book a PCR test immediately.

“Any close contacts of a confirmed case of Omicron must also isolate for 10 days, regardless of their vaccine status or age.  

There are so many things we can do to minimise the spread, if we all pull together we can protect ourselves and those around us.”

Notes to editors:

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is the successor organisation to Public Health England, NHS Test and Trace and the Joint Biosecurity Centre:  https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency

For more information on the Omnicron variant in the UK visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/covid-19-variants-identified-in-the-uk

For information on new Government measures to slow the spread of the virus:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-sets-out-new-measures-as-omicron-variant-identified-in-uk-27-november-2021