A SMALL number of people in Warrington suspected of having the Omicron variant of Covid 19 are self isolating.

And health chiefs saying robust contact tracing has taken place.

Public health officials say a small number of spected Omicron cases linked to Warrington have been identified.

Their contacts have been asked to self-isolate and take a PCR test.

A spokesman added: "Extensive surveillance and monitoring will continue to help identify any further potential Omicron cases as early as possible."

Thara Raj, Warrington’s Director of Public Health, said: “Evidence suggests that this new variant may be more transmissible than other strains of COVID-19.

"While we are learning more, it is more important than ever to do everything we can to minimise the spread of the virus generally, especially in the run up to Christmas when we may have plans to mix with more people from outside our households.”

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “We must all work together and take action now to ensure we don’t undo all of our efforts to control the virus and negatively affect the Christmas holidays that we are all so desperately looking forward to.”

Public health leaders in Warrington are urging residents to stay vigilant in the run up to, and over the Christmas period, especially as people will be typically attending events and visiting busier areas where they will come into close contact with lots of people from outside their household.

Residents are urged to be extra cautious and keep up with the prevention measures that we know are effective in reducing spread. Anyone who develops any Covid symptoms should self-isolate and get an NHS (PCR) test as soon as possible.

Everyone should undertake symptom-free lateral flow testing twice-weekly, and take an additional test before going to high risk situations where lots of people are mixing, or before meeting vulnerable people.

Only a third of people with Covid-19 display symptoms, which is why regular symptom-free testing is important to identify if you unknowingly have the virus.

Residents are also being encouraged to get the vaccine and booster when invited, as this provides the best available protection against Covid-19 and any new variants, including the Omicron variant. You can book your vaccinations online via the NHS website.

To find out more about coronavirus in Warrington, visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus. For more information on the COVID-19 Omicron variant, visit GOV.UK.