Tonight the Prime Minister unveiled temporary measures to slow down the spread of the Omicron variant in the UK.
Early indications suggest this variant may spread faster than the Delta variant and be harder to stop. That's why preventive measures are needed to give scientists time to investigate and the NHS time to vaccinate.
As a precaution, all international travellers must take a PCR test within two days of their arrival and self-isolate until they receive a negative test result.
Anyone who has been in contact with someone suspected of having the Omicron variant must self-isolate regardless of their vaccination status. If this is the case, NHS Test and Trace will contact you.
Next week, face coverings will be made compulsory in shops and on public transport, but not in hospitality venues such as pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Finally, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will consider giving boosters to a broader age group and reducing the gap between the second dose and booster jab.
These measures will be reviewed in three weeks when the Government hopes to have more information on the variant and the effectiveness of the current vaccines against it.
In the meantime, get your vaccine and booster jab to bolster our vaccine shield. It will help protect you and your family and keep Orpington open.