Message from the Managing Director on the Omicron variant 

Dear colleagues,  

You will I am sure be aware of the discovery of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the UK.  

Although there are currently no confirmed cases in Wales, it is inevitable that the variant will be found here and the First Minister has said people must "take precautions" in response to this. 

The only immediate change to the protective measures in place in Wales is the use of face coverings in schools. Information on this change and what it means in practice has already been provided to schools and I would like to recognise as always the work of all those in our schools and Learning and Skills teams who will once again be quickly adapting their working practices to keep children, young people and colleagues safe whilst learning. 

The other important development to be aware of is that the JCVI has recommended an acceleration to the vaccination programme. The booster jab is now being made available to everyone over the age of 18. Our colleagues at Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board will be administering an additional 150,000 jabs over the next four weeks. If you are a resident in the Vale or Cardiff and have not yet had a booster jab you will hear shortly how to access yours.  

It is important to note that the general picture in the Vale had been improving steadily over the past few weeks. Case rates among over 60s have been declining since the start of November, along with hospital admissions, and cases amongst the most vulnerable people such as those in care homes.  

Wales remains at Alert Level 0. However, there are steps we can all take to keep ourselves and each other safe.  

Get both of your jabs, and a booster if offered one. 

• If you have symptoms, self-isolate and book a PCR test. 
• Even if you do not have symptoms, take regular lateral flow tests. 
• Remember outdoors is safer than indoors. 
• Keep your distance when you can. 
• Wash your hands regularly. 
• Wear a face covering. 

These steps should by now be well known, but they remain the most effective in protecting ourselves and colleagues, friends and family from coronavirus.  

I would also like to remind all colleagues that we should all still be working from home wherever possible. Home working has been shown to be one of the most effective ways of preventing transmission of Covid-19 within the community and the Council will continue to operate in line with Welsh Government guidance on this. Anyone who is required to work from one of our office buildings should be doing so in line with the guidance issued earlier this year.  

The significance and impact of the new variant is not yet clear. I sincerely hope that it does not have the impact of previous variants.  Whilst and there are early positive signs that it may not have the same impact, it is early days and more will become clear over the coming days and weeks. 

Thanks as always for your work to keep the Vale safe. Diolch yn fawr.  

Rob.