The case was originally said to have been detected in Chelmsford
It is one of two cases confirmed of the new variant, Omicron, which originated in South Africa, which has been confirmed in the UK.
Sajid Javid had said in a statement that the two cases were in Nottingham and Chelmsford, but a spokesperson for Essex County Council confirmed that it was in Brentwood.
The statement read, “We can confirm that a single case involving the new Covid-19 Variant of Concern (B 1.1.529), Omicron, has been identified in Brentwood*. This is linked to a single case from Nottingham involving international travel to South Africa.
“We are working with regional and local public health officers who are assessing the situation. All close contacts of these individuals will be followed up and requested to isolate and get tested.
“The individuals who have so far tested positive, as well as all members of their households, are being re-tested and have been told to self-isolate while contact tracing is underway.
“While this work takes place, it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions – get a PCR test if you have symptoms, isolate when asked, wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, ventilate rooms, get your vaccine and boosters as soon as you can.”
The World Health Organisation have described the variant as a variant of concern and said multiple studies are underway as advisers continue to monitor the variant.
It comes as more Southern African countries have been added to the red travel list.
They are; South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe Angola, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.
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Tags: Covid-19, Brentwioid, Omircron, Essex County Council
