First Omicron Covid Case Confirmed In Leicestershire

The first case of the Omicron Covid-19 variant has been confirmed in Leicestershire.

A person living the Oadby and Wigston area tested positive for the new strain and work is underway to trace their contacts.

Public health officials say they expect more cases to be identified locally in the coming days and are urging people to follow the latest Covid-19 safety measures and take every possible precaution to reduce their risk of infection.

Leicestershire’s Director of Public Health Mike Sandys said: “Please keep washing your hands regularly, wear a mask in shops and on public transport, open windows if you’re meeting people indoors and keep taking rapid coronavirus tests at home at least twice a week – especially before going out or meeting up with others.

“Please make sure you get your Covid-19 vaccine and take up the offer of a booster.

“It’s also really important to stay at home if you’re not feeling well.

“If you have any Covid-19 symptoms, however mild, order a free PCR test online straight away.”

Six cases of the new strain have been identified in Northamptonshire, all in the Brackley area in the south of the county.