A Worcester city centre GP has moved to reassure patients after the emergence of the Omicron coronavirus varient.

The government yesterday introduced the return of Covid measures in a bid to help stunt the spread of the new strain, which was declared a variant of concern by by the World Health Organisation on Friday, November 26.

Yesterday, eight further cases of the Omicron variant were confirmed in England, bringing the total number identified in the country to 13, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

Nine cases have also been identified in Scotland, meaning 22 cases have been identified across the two countries.

Summarising the latest medical information on the new variant, first found in South Africa, Dr Jason Seewoodhary said: "Omicron has several mutations, which are changes in its genetic make-up, that may have an impact on how it behaves, for example, on how easily it spreads or the severity of illness it causes.

"It is not yet clear whether Omicron is more easily spread from person to person compared to other variants of Covid-19.

"The number of people testing positive has risen in areas of South Africa affected by this variant. Research studies are underway to understand if it is because of Omicron or other factors.

"It is also not yet clear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease compared to other variants of Covid-19.

"Preliminary data suggests that there are increasing rates of hospitalisation in South Africa, but this may be due to increasing overall numbers of people becoming infected, rather than a result of specific infection with Omicron.

"There is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with Omicron are different from those from other variants.

"Preliminary evidence suggests people who have previously had COVID-19 could become reinfected more easily with Omicron compared to other variants of concern, but information is limited at this stage.

"The widely used PCR tests, which you can order online, continue to detect infection, including infection with Omicron. Studies are ongoing to determine whether there is any impact on other types of tests, including lateral flow tests.

"Omicron has mutations that theoretically make vaccines less effective. However, the vaccines may well continue to ward off severe illness and death and booster doses will be needed to protect most people.

"Still, the makers of the two most effective vaccines, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, are preparing to reformulate their shots if necessary.

"The most effective steps members of our community in Worcester can take to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is to keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others; wear a well-fitting mask; open windows to improve ventilation; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keep hands clean; cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue; and get vaccinated when it’s their turn."