COVID-19: Omicron variant

On 26 November 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the variant B.1.1.529 a variant of concern, named Omicron, on the advice of WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution (TAG-VE).  This decision was based on the evidence that Omicron has several mutations that may have an impact on how it behaves, for example, on how easily it spreads or the severity of illness it causes.

The UK Health Security Agency confirmed on Saturday 27 November 2021 that two English cases of the the Omicron variant had been identified, and as of Monday 29 November, six cases had been identified in Scotland. This post summarizes the legislation and guidance relevant to the United Kingdom and its impact on places of worship. Continue reading