What actions are you taking as Mayor of London to protect Londoners from the Omicron variant and ensure messaging on this new variant is consistent and helpful?

I have regular discussions with my Statutory Adviser for Health who is the Regional Director of Public Health, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Office for Health Disparities and the NHS to keep up to date on the current situation. UKHSA’s London Coronavirus Response Cell (LCRC) is carefully tracking rates of COVID-19, the progress of the pandemic, mitigations and control measures.

Information about the Omicron variant is still emerging. However, our best defences against the virus remain the same. The best thing Londoners can do is to book their COVID-19 vaccine or booster jab as soon as they can. Londoners should also continue to wash their hands regularly, wear face coverings on public transport and in enclosed public spaces, maintain social distancing as much as possible and test regularly.

I encourage all Londoners to follow the current Government guidance. I will continue to use the communication channels at my disposal to regularly share understandable and consistent information about staying safe, working in partnership with TfL, the NHS and other partners to amplify these important messages.