Following advice from the UK Health Security Agency and in the light of the rapid increase in Omicron cases, the UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England National Medical Director have recommended to ministers that the UK COVID-19 alert level should increase from Level 3 to Level 4.
Transmission of COVID-19 is already high in the community, mainly still driven by Delta, but the emergence of Omicron adds additional and rapidly increasing risk to the public and healthcare services.
Early evidence shows that Omicron is spreading much faster than Delta and that vaccine protection against symptomatic disease from Omicron is reduced. Data on severity will become clearer over the coming weeks but hospitalisations from Omicron are already occurring and these are likely to increase rapidly.
When vaccine protection is reduced in the way that is happening with Omicron it is essential to top up that protection with a booster. Both booster vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) increase the immune response substantially and show good effectiveness although with some reduction compared to Delta.
The NHS is currently under pressure mainly driven by non-COVID-19 pressures. With a variant spreading with increased transmissibility and reduced vaccine effectiveness, we are likely to see this pressure rise soon.
It is extremely important that if you are eligible, you get your COVID-19 vaccination now – whether this be your first, second or booster dose.
People should continue take sensible precautions including ventilating rooms, using face coverings, testing regularly and isolating when symptomatic.
Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty
Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Professor Sir Michael McBride
Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, Professor Gregor Smith
Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton
NHS England National Medical Director, Professor Stephen Powis
Prime Minister and NHS turbocharge booster programme against Omicron and launch an urgent national appeal calling for people to get jabbed
Latest data shows booster is needed to protect ourselves and the NHS against the variant
Prime Minister: “A tidal wave of Omicron is coming. Get Boosted Now.”
UK Chief Medical Officers raise UK Covid Alert Level from Level 3 to Level 4
All adults in England to be offered a booster jab by the end of the year. Devolved administrations also agree to accelerate vaccinations.
The Prime Minister, together with the NHS, last night launched an urgent national appeal calling for people to get jabbed, as he outlined plans to significantly increase NHS vaccination capacity.
It comes as the UK Chief Medical Officers increased the UK Covid Alert Level from Level 3 to Level 4 due to a rapid increase in cases of the Omicron variant.
The latest data suggests Omicron is extremely transmissible and will become the dominant variant by mid-December. Cases are now doubling every 2 to 3 days.
Data published on Friday suggests that vaccine efficacy against symptomatic infection is substantially reduced against Omicron with just two doses, but a third dose boosts protection back up to over 70%.
It is too early to draw firm conclusions about whether the Omicron variant is as virulent as Delta but even if it is more mild, a slight fall in vaccine efficacy can lead to a substantial increase in hospitalisations. Hospitalisations in South Africa have doubled in a week and are expected to rise in the UK over the next 2 weeks.
The extent of transmissibility, coupled with reduced protection after two doses and the raising of the alert level by the UK CMOs, means the Prime Minister and NHS England are today launching an urgent national Omicron appeal for the public to Get Boosted Now.
The government and NHS will rise to the challenge, working flat out to deliver jabs, save lives and ensure the NHS is not overwhelmed this winter with an influx of Omicron cases.
The vaccination programme is already delivering hundreds of thousands of boosters every day, with over 530,000 jabs in arms on Saturday alone, while catching up on elective surgeries and appointments and delivering all urgent care.
All adults will now be offered a booster jab by the New Year, bringing the target forward by one month.
Bookings through the National Booking System will be prioritised at most sites unless it is a pop up or walk-in only site. The National Booking System will now be stood up for over 18s and will take a short time to operationalise. From tomorrow adults over 30 will be able to book online, and all over 18s from Wednesday.
Some walk-in appointments will be available from tomorrow for over 18s, dependent on location. If there are long queues or all slots have been booked, people are encouraged to be patient and keep trying, or book online.
To deliver the ramped-up vaccination programme, NHS staff will need to be redeployed away from non-urgent services. This means that all primary care services will now focus on urgent clinical need and vaccines, and some non-urgent appointments and elective surgeries may be postponed until the New Year while every adult in the country is jabbed.
Without the added protection from this third dose, NHS beds will quickly fill up and the long term damage to the economy and the NHS efforts to bring down the backlog will be even greater.
The NHS will be given everything it needs to get jabs in arms as the UK responds to the Omicron variant.
The Prime Minister yesterday set out that the NHS will be given everything it needs to boost jabbing capacity, which will include:
New vaccination sites set up across the country, including mobile pop up sites
Increasing opening times for vaccination sites, to 7 days a week with more appointments early in the morning, in the evening and at weekends
50 military planning experts will help coordinate the national effort by supporting the NHS with logistics of the rollout
Reprioritising the NHS workforce to deliver as many jabs as possible
A national call for thousands more NHS volunteers
If Omicron is left unchecked the NHS is at risk of being quickly overwhelmed. Last week the Prime Minister confirmed the move to Plan B for England following its rapid spread.
Face coverings are now compulsory in most public indoor venues in England – this is already in place in Scotland – people are asked to work from home if they can from today, and from Wednesday 15 December negative lateral flow tests will be needed to enter nightclubs and large events, except for those who are double vaccinated and subject to approval from Parliament.
Every adult in the country is now being urged to book their jab as soon as possible. The vaccination programme is open to everyone, and first and second doses remain available.
The government will continue to work closely with the devolved administrations on the booster rollout, and there will be Barnett consequentials for any new funding.
Advance booking facility opened up to 30 – 39 year olds
All 30-39 year olds will be able to book their appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine booster from today (Monday) through the NHS Inform website.
Appointments must be booked at least 12 weeks after a second dose however anyone with a confirmed case of the virus since receiving a vaccine should wait four weeks from testing positive to receive their booster.
The online portal will be extended to enable 18-29 year olds to book booster vaccinations later in the week.
The portal is already open to Health and Social Care Workers, the 40-59 age groups, unpaid carers who are 16 and over and those aged 16 and over who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals and will continue to be available to these groups.
Anyone in earlier groups who missed their vaccination can book an appointment by calling the National Helpline on 0800 030 8013 which is open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Scotland already has the highest vaccination rate of all UK nations for first, second and third doses and we will continue to follow clinical advice from the JCVI on offering booster jags through age cohorts in descending order to ensure maximum benefit.
“We are working with Health Boards to maximise vaccination capacity and we’ll explore all options to accelerate the vaccination programme as quickly and safely as we possibly can.
“One of the most important things we can all do to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 is to get our vaccinations and boosters when eligible. The vaccines we have are highly effective and safe and I urge anyone who is eligible and not yet vaccinated to book an appointment.
“The emergence of the Omicron variant means it is also particularly important that we continue to take all precautions to prevent transmission. So test regularly for the virus, particularly before socialising and meeting up with others from outside your household, wear face marks where required and open windows to improve ventilation.”
Santa’s Christmas Wonderland Experience is now open in Perth following a launch night on Thursday which was enjoyed by hundreds of invited guests including St Johnstone legend Liam Craig.
Lighting up Perth’s riverside, the new experience throughout the Norie Miller Walk provides all the magic and merriness of Christmas, with interactive surprises throughout including naughty elves and, of course, Santa too.
Visitors on Thursday were the first to enjoy the wonderland’s toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate, mulled wine and more, all against the backdrop of a huge array of amazing, sparkling, joyful, Christmas-themed lighting installations.
Thanks to Perth Christmas Wonderland’s charity partnership, among those in attendance were dozens of guests connected to PKAVS, the first of a staggering 1600 locals who will benefit from free tickets over the next fortnight thanks to donations from Perthshire businesses.
Tickets are available for most dates between December 10 and 23 – available at:
Edinburgh Police Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council’s Christmas wish is to #KeepXmasSafe for young people whilst online & keep parents & carers more informed.
Avoid Festive Season Accidents – Choose the Right Ladder for the Task
Don’t let your eagerness to get the Christmas decorations up cause an unwelcome trip to A & E with the potential to ruin your festive season.
Every year, hospital A and E departments across the country report a rise in the number of admissions during December after falling from steps ladders or trees. During 2019 – 2020, over 51,000 people went to hospital following a fall from steps, ladders, or trees.
Whilst not all of these will have been Christmas related, we know that putting up lights and decorations indoors and outdoors can be dangerous if you don’t use the right equipment when working at height and follow basic safety procedures.
Here’s their five golden rules for safe ladder use:
To use a ladder, you need to be physically able and have a good understanding of how to use it safely. You should avoid climbing a ladder if you’ve undergone a recent injury.
Before you climb your ladder, you need to check if it’s safe to use it for the job you have planned. Where possible always have another person with you when using a ladder.
Check the weather and the terrain. If you’re working outside, uneven, sloping, soft terrain requires equipment fit for purpose and poor weather can increase your fall risk. Avoid using ladders if it is windy, rainy, or damp.
Check the condition of the ladder, and do not use damaged equipment.
Always follow the instructions – they are there for your safety and vary by product and by application.
Henchman tripod ladders and High Step safety platforms are specially designed for safe working at height providing a stable footing on uneven ground for jobs ranging from domestic hedge trimming to a four-metre topiary sculpture – and putting up Christmas decorations!
Said Henchman managing director Tom Kitching: “Nobody ever thinks it will happen to them. How often have we heard people saying, ‘It’s OK I’ve done this loads of times – I know what I am doing’ as they balance precariously up a ladder or steps?
“The sad fact is that it can and does happen. Stretch out that little bit too far on an indoor step ladder or lean a ladder against a tree or bush outside that suddenly gives way, and you will fall, risking serious injury or even death.
“Following basic rules and investing in the right ladder for the job could save your life.”
The UK designed, and distributed Henchman lightweight aluminium ladders and High Step platforms are available in a wide range of sizes with prices starting at £249 including VAT and free delivery to UK mainland addresses.
For more details on the Henchman range of ladders and see safety videos visit:
A focus on adventure tourism is making the East Cairngorms one of the most popular destinations in the UK for mountain biking. The adventure tourism community’s best-kept secret, the area has seen a surge in people of all abilities, due to the surge in e-bike sales, taking to the trails to explore the best of Ballater, Braemar and the surrounding villages.
Boasting some of the best downward routes in the UK, the East Cairngorms, with its off-the-beaten-track, natural trails and long descents has seen a growing number of visitors to the area to experience the trails and stay locally.
Richard Watts, owner of Cycle Highlands based in Ballater, says that the appeal of the area being a “bike-in bike out” destination, and the increase sales of bikes during lockdown, has put the East Cairngorms on the map.
“During lockdown, our sales jumped nearly 40%, with half of all our retail now being e-bikes which has meant that it has really opened up the trails for all ability levels.
“What makes mountain biking unique in this area is that you have everything on your doorstep: quality accommodation, specialists services such as bike repair and maintenance, great hospitality, and the ability to get to a number of trails from your doorstep.
“The East Cairngorms is different to other mountain biking destinations as we have very long trails and can descend for 3-6kms close to, or straight into, a village centre. Our natural and hand cut trails sit amongst a stunning backdrop yet contain routes for all ability levels including families looking for that get-away holiday.”
Dominique and Daniel Drew-Martin took over the Ballater Hostel in 2016 and say that the demographics of people coming to mountain bike in the area has shifted: “There are so many mountain bike trails for all experience levels and, with the increased use of e-bikes, it really appeals to a huge range of people.
“We’ve had retired couples, families and new bike owners all come to spend time cycling and get to know the area which has been fantastic to see.”
Through a Scottish Government grant, Dominque and Daniel have invested in new tools and equipment to further attract outdoor adventurers to the area.
“We’ve always had a bike storage area, which is covered and dry, but this grant allowed us to buy additional items such as tools, bike locks and proper stands, that they can use. It means that after they’ve had a great day on the hills, they can then come to us and have an evening to dry off, chat with friends and then tinker with their bikes.”
Mountain biking has become an increasingly valuable part of tourism for Scotland. In 2020, according to Visit Scotland, 290,000 British residents took overnight visits to Scotland where adventure sports were part of the trip, contributing £112 million in spend.
To capitalise on this trend, a new campaign to promote mountain biking in the East Cairngorms was launched at the end of November by Ballater Business Association (BBA) and Braemar Tourism Group (BTG).
The campaign, which includes a website, promotional video, digital trail map, and trip planner, is the first in a series of five which aim to inspire visitors to explore the East Cairngorms as a year-round destination for outdoor activity.
For more information on mountain biking in the East Cairngorms, head to:
It’s that time again! Christmas tree expert Mary Dimitrova from Fantastic Services reveals the top tips for looking after your Christmas tree to keep it fresh all throughout the Christmas period:
What are some quick and easy insider tricks for knowing if a tree is fresh and will last long?
A healthy tree should have bright and shiny needles, not dry and dull. If you notice any grey sections, that’s a sign of dehydration, which means that the tree is not that fresh. If the tree is fresh, the needles should not break easily and should be hard to pull them off.
If the trunk is sticky and there is any sap residue the tree is fresh. Also, the tree should be heavy, which means the tree is freshly cut and still contain all the water.
What trees typically survive in houses for the longest?
A Douglas or a Nordmann Fir are the best options – they’ll last for about six weeks before withering, offering the best use throughout Christmas. Of course, that depends on how well you care for it but lowering the temperature in the room really slows down the drying process and keeps your tree fresher for longer.
What are your best watering tricks to help the tree last longer?
Your tree should drink one litre of water per three cm of the stem diameter. That means a fresh cut tree can consume 4-5 litres in 24 hours. Watering is critical, especially for Norway Spruce trees. Check the water levels daily and never let it go below the tree’s base.
Without water, to the tree’s base, it will dry out just in 7-8 days. The temperature of the water is not that important and no, you can’t overwater your tree, it will absorb only as much as it wants.
What are some ways to give a dead Christmas tree new life?
You can try to give your tree a good trim which will reduce the number of water-requiring branches. Keep the room as cool as possible and move your tree to the darkest spot of the room.
How do I select the correct height for a tree for my room?
You should measure the distance between the ceiling and floor, which is the vertical height limit. Include the height of the tree stand in the overall height. Doing this step before going to buy a tree will massively reduce the stress of picking the perfect tree.
An inquiry into the cause of increased excess deaths in Scotland since the start of the pandemic has been launched by the COVID-19 Recovery Committee.
Recent data published by the Scottish Government shows deaths in Scotland are 11% above the average for this time of year and have been above the average for the last 26 weeks. The Committee will investigate whether this rise in deaths is being caused by COVID-19 directly, or the indirect health effects of the pandemic.
The Committee is seeking views on the following questions:
• Has the public health emergency shifted from COVID-19 deaths to deaths from non-COVID-19 conditions? • Is there evidence that patients are now presenting with greater acuity? • What accounts for the deaths from non-COVID-19 conditions? • Is there enough of a strategic focus on the indirect health impacts of the pandemic? • What are the realistic options open to the government in addressing the indirect health impact of the virus in winter 2021/22?
Speaking as the inquiry was launched, Siobhian Brown MSP, Convener of the COVID-19 Recovery Committee said: “The latest data released by the Scottish Government shows an alarming rise in the number of excess deaths since the start of the pandemic.
“Recent media reports suggest the pandemic has led to delays and decreases in the number of patients being diagnosed with illnesses, such as cancers, which can negatively impact the efficacy of treatment.
“We are keen to learn more about the indirect health impacts of the pandemic and whether the public health emergency has shifted from COVID-19 deaths to deaths from non-COVID-19 conditions.
“Every death is a tragedy, whether caused by COVID-19 or not, and it is essential that we establish the root causes of these deaths and find out what has led to this spike in the number of lives being lost.”
