Covid-19 Omicron variant case linked to Brentwood primary school

A case of the Omicron variant has now been linked to Larchwood Primary School at Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood

One of the first UK cases of the Omicron Covid-19 variant has been linked to a primary school in Essex.

Following further contact tracing of a case that emerged in Brentwood, there was a confirmed link to Larchwood Primary School in Pilgrims Hatch, Essex County Council said.

It said specialist testing was being made available for all staff and remote learning introduced for one class.

The case has already been linked to a church and a branch of KFC in the town.

What is known about the Essex case?

The Brentwood case has already been linked to a church and a branch of KFC in the town

The case in Brentwood was linked to a single case in Nottingham involving international travel to southern Africa, the authority said.

The council says that anybody who attended Trinity Church in Brentwood on 21 November should have a PCR test.

The same advice is being given to anybody - staff, customers or delivery workers - who visited Brentwood KFC between 13:00 and 17:00 GMT on 19 November.

The town's KFC was open on Monday.

A statement from the church said while the person infected with the new variant did not attend its service, a person connected with them had done so

A statement from the church said while the person infected with the new variant did not attend its service, a person connected with them had done so.

The church said it had acted on the advice of NHS Test and Trace in asking all members of the congregation to get a PCR test carried out.

A spokesperson for KFC confirmed that one if its customers had tested positive for the new variant and said "all team members at the restaurant have volunteered to take a PCR test as part of the targeted testing".

People can visit two mobile testing units for drive-through appointments only, which will be open between 09:00 and 16:00 from Monday at Basildon Cherrydown car park - which can be booked via the national booking system - and at the Brentwood Centre, in Doddinghurst Road, which does not require pre-booking.

Those who test positive, have any symptoms, or are contact-traced following contact with someone who tests positive, should self-isolate immediately.

What are the authorities saying?

A single case involving the Omicron variant was identified in Brentwood

Dr Mike Gogarty, the county council's director of public health, said: "The aim is to understand what, if any, spread of the new variant within the local community may have occurred and limit the opportunity for any further spread. Robust contact tracing has taken place following identification of the single case.

"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."

Chris Hossack, leader of Brentwood Borough Council, told BBC Essex: "Brentwood is a small town, people need to be vigilant; it is all about getting tested.

"As we approach Christmas, people are really hoping that this doesn't become a disruptive thing or go into severe measures. At the moment, the government are being cautious about what they are advising us to do."

'Incredibly frustrating'

Scott Parker says his family and friends had planned to visit him in South Africa

Originally from Great Hallingbury, near Stansted, Scott Parker currently lives in Cape Town, South Africa.

Just a few weeks ago he made his first visit home to the UK in two years to spend time with friends and family.

Back in Cape Town, his plans for Christmas have now been thrown into disarray by the new variant.

"Family and friends were due out here [in South Africa] this Christmas but we've had to make alternative arrangements," he said.

"We were also due to go out overseas for a holiday and again with borders being shut we've had to make alternative arrangements, which has left everybody incredibly frustrated.

"We've done all we can in this country to adhere to rules and regulations.

"It is incredibly frustrating now that we are [in the position] we are."

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