Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, advised people to use “common sense” as they make holiday plans due to concerns about the Omicron variant of coronavirus.
“There’s no reason to adjust our plans unless they’ve been harmed by the new guidelines we’ve put in place,” he said on LBC radio.
“For example, if you’re asked to self-isolate because you’ve come into contact with someone who has a suspected case of this new variant, your plans will, of course, be disrupted.”
“In the winter, as the days get darker and colder, the virus likes it; the flu virus likes it; so just use common sense and follow the current advice.”
“And the vast majority of people do exactly that; they are aware of the risks and threats that exist and act responsibly.”
He estimates that developing an Omicron vaccine could take six months.
“The truth is that no one knows anything about such things.”