Updates on the Omicron Variant and COVID19 Prevention Measures.

Watch my Facebook Live Recap on the Omicron Variant and COVID prevention measures.

While there is uncertainty surrounding the new Omicron COVID variant, it is clear that protective action is needed in the UK to protect our communities and the NHS this winter. On December 14th 2021, Darren voted for updated measures to prevent the spread of COVID 19 and the new Omicron variant.

This includes updating guidance on where face masks are mandatory, updates to CVOIDisolation rules, requiring proof of a negative test or vaccine status at some venues, and changes to vaccination requirements for certain health and social care workers.

You can read Darren’s full statement and reasoning for the support of updated protective measures below:

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for taking the time to write to me and I hope that this reply finds you healthy and well.

On the 14th December, the Government asked MPs to vote for several updated Covid prevention measures, including:

(1)   Clarifying in which settings a face mask is mandatory, or not – you can read the regulation here including the list of different settings when a face mask is required in Part 1 on page 5.

(2)   Changes to self-isolation rules, which clarify that children, adults with full vaccination status, those in vaccine trials and others with clinical reasons need not self-isolate if they meet a positive case of Covid. You can read the regulation here.

(3)   The need for certain event or venue organisers to require either (i) a negative Lateral Flow Test; or (ii) the presentation of the NHS App to show vaccine status, in order to enter the venue or event. You can read this regulation here.

(4)   A broader set of changes, including an expansion of requirement to be vaccinated to broader health and social care staff (and not just care home staff). You can read this regulation here. 

The first two of these are, overall, not contentious. The second two, however, are and I’ll therefore explain my position on these contentious issues more fully. 

‘Vaccine Passports’

First, on the use of ‘vaccine passports’: the critical point here is that you can show a negative Lateral Flow Test instead of using the NHS app to prove your vaccine status. The choice is yours to make. Further, this requirement only applies to certain large capacity venues and events.

This regulation, therefore, does not mandate or require the use of ‘vaccine passports’ as part of your daily lives. They are voluntary and, should you choose to use it, only relevant in certain venues or events.

On that basis, I have voted in support of this change, but any expansion of the use of NHS apps will have to undergo significant Parliamentary scrutiny. In practice, I don’t expect to see a mandatory use of the NHS app in any setting.

Mandatory Vaccination

Second, on the requirement to be vaccinated to work in certain health and social care settings: this was the most difficult vote for me. Whilst I understand the argument that we need all health and care staff fit and able to serve during a difficult period for the NHS, and ideally not infecting their patients, I do struggle with the idea that people should be required by law to be vaccinated.

This regulation, however, doesn’t come into effect until April 2022 and I hope this will be used more as an incentive to get vaccinated than a requirement to do so.

I therefore didn’t vote against this change, but I will be keeping a close eye on how it is used and/or developed over the coming weeks.

Overall, it’s important to understand that these measures are being put in place because of the highly transmissible Omicron variant. This variant can bypass our current vaccines and infect those who have some vaccination status. That’s why I and the Labour Party are also supporting the ramp up of booster vaccine roll out, because a full three vaccine level of immunity, alongside a post-Covid infection level of immunity, offers us the best possible current protection from Omicron. 

Some have proposed that the Labour Party should consider voting against the introduction of the additional measures proposed by the Government to score political points against the Prime Minister. In the interest of public health, and the need to reduce the spread of the Omicron variant across our country, I shall support the additional measures outlined by the Government.

My Labour colleagues and I do not do so lightly. Restrictions impact people’s lives, livelihoods and liberties. I want everyone to be able to enjoy Christmas safely this year with their loved ones, given the disruption of last winter, but the Omicron variant is a clear threat to public health and our NHS. Swift action is required to minimise the public health impact of the Omicron variant and my colleagues and I shall act in the national interest in supporting these additional measures.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue. Having one vote on behalf of 100,000 people is always difficult, not least in respect of contentious votes such as these. I appreciate you getting in touch and sharing your views, which helps me do my job on your behalf better, and I hope this e-mail adequality explains my position.

Yours sincerely,

Darren

Darren Jones MP       
Member of Parliament for Bristol North West