In his latest Reporter column, Denton MP Andrew Gwynne writes about the emerging Omicron variant of Covid-19 and encourages residents to 'keep calm, look after each other and stay safe'.

Last week, scientists in South Africa alerted the world to a new and potentially worrying variant of Coronavirus. What has now been labelled the ‘Omicron’ variant is a highly mutated version of the virus.

It is this high level of mutation which has led scientists to become increasingly concerned that the variant may be highly transmissible or may be resistant to vaccines. 

At the moment, we know very little for certain. I asked the Health Secretary on Monday for clarity on the efficacy of vaccines against this variant, and he stressed the lack of conclusive evidence either way.

The UK was quick to put several African countries onto the red list as soon as the news of the new variant broke. This is currently a precautionary measure, designed to buy us time whilst we find out as much as we can about Omicron. 

Unfortunately, several cases have already been identified in Europe, so it falls to us to exercise more caution whilst we wait for further clarity. I am crossing everything that the variant isn’t resistant to our current vaccines, but the last week has shown just how vulnerable we still are to COVID.

The possibility of a vaccine-resistant strain is very real, and whilst I do not wish to see a return to harsh restrictions, I do think we should all still be aware of our responsibilities in helping to prevent the spread of the virus. Regular hand washing, maintaining space where possible, and wearing face masks in public places are easy steps that we can all take to do our bit. Hands, face, space is still as relevant today as it was when it was first coined all those months ago. 

We live in very uncertain times, and I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling a bit anxious about the wider implications of this variant. The next two to three weeks will be critical in better understanding where we are and the threat that Omicron poses.

I am very grateful to scientists here at home and across the world who have helped identify this variant, and who are working around the clock to work out its implications. Their work will enable politicians and leaders to make the right decisions, and ultimately keep us all safer. 

Whilst that vital work is ongoing then, I would encourage everyone across Tameside to keep calm, look after each other and stay safe.

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