COVID: First confirmed Omicron case in Kent

The first case of the new COVID variant, Omicron, was confirmed this morning at Northfleet Technology College in Gravesend.

It has been confirmed that NHS Test & Trace, contacted and told the school that a ‘member of the school community’ was told that they have the new Omicron Variant. This comes a week after the same person had received a positive COVID result.

The school’s spokesman said: “The school has a risk assessment, which has been followed throughout and anybody who may have been in close contact with the infected individual has been contacted, directly, through NHS Test & trace.

“We wish to assure the community that we are doing all we can to follow the guidance and ensure we mitigate the risk as far as we reasonably can.

“We will continue to work closely with all necessary agencies and follow the guidance we are given to keep our community as safe as possible.”

Although the find of the Omicron variant has caused some concern and panic, scientists are still sure of the risk it poses.

Recent studies show that Kent is the county with the second highest record of coronavirus cases across the country, with 8,192 cases over a seven day period up to 26 November.

Last Weekend, Prime Minister Boris Johnson set new measures regarding the identification of Omicron in the UK. It is said that the Omicron Variant is more infectious than the original COVID. The measures were put in place on Tuesday 30th November 2021.

From today you must wear a face covering on public transport and in shops, unless you are exempt.

This is a precautionary measure following the emergence of the Omicron variant in the UK. pic.twitter.com/Ps4djMY7XE

— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) November 30, 2021