HEREFORDSHIRE is being warned again that coronavirus is not going away, with concern over the new variant.

The county's public health chief urged everyone to carry on following the rules to try and protect themselves and others.

The Government has put new measures in place to curb the spread of Covid.

From today, wearing face masks in shops and on public transport becomes compulsory in England, bringing the country in line with the other UK nations.

Pupils, staff and visitors to secondary schools and childcare settings are also being “strongly advised” to wear face masks in communal areas.

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The Government has also added more countries to the UK red list as it tries to slow the spread as it learns more about the Omicron variant, first found in southern parts of Africa.

Anyone now arriving in England who has been in a red-listed country in the previous 10 days must isolate at a managed quarantine hotel.

There are also testing requirements for all international arrivals who must take a PCR test within two days and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

Dr Rebecca Howell-Jones, acting director of public health for Herefordshire Council, said: “Coronavirus is not going away and we are now facing the additional challenge of a new variant, Omicron.

!However, there are actions we can each take to help protect ourselves, our families and Herefordshire from Covid-19, and other infections, this winter. I would ask everyone to follow the advice including testing regularly and getting vaccinated."

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She said anyone eligible for a booster dose should book online, and if there are no slots, people should check back as more regularly become available.

"And remember, to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 hands, face, space, ventilation – Regularly wash your hands, wear face coverings, keep your distance from others and ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated," Dr Howell-Jones added.