Public Health Scotland urges people to defer Christmas parties to prevent spread of Omicron variant
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PEOPLE are being urged to defer their Christmas parties to combat the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
The call has come from Public Health Scotland (PHS).
Dr Nick Phin, director of Public Health Science and Medical Director, PHS said: “There is much that we still need to learn about Omicron, but early evidence suggests that this new Covid variant is much more transmissible.
"The impact of this transmissibility has been seen in recent weeks, with a number of Omicron outbreaks linked to parties.
“We still need to learn more about the severity of disease caused by Omicron and the effectiveness of vaccines, but there are important things that we can do to help protect ourselves and our families now."
He said to help minimise the further spread of Covid-19, and Omicron in particular, he strongly urged people to defer their Christmas parties to another time.
“I appreciate that everyone is keen to celebrate this festive season, particularly after the pressures of the last 20 months, but by postponing some plans we can all do our bit to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”
Other measures people are urged to take are:
- Get your vaccine and your booster when your turn comes.
- Take a Lateral Flow Test at least twice weekly and each time you are socialising with people outwith your household.
- Reduce the number of people you catch up with, try to meet outdoors or if indoors ensure ventilation is good.
- Keep up the other public health measures - wash your hands, clean surfaces, maintain distances and wear a face covering in public spaces.
