Statement: responding to introduction of Plan B measures

Prof Jim McManus, President, Association of Directors of Public Health, said:

“The Association of Directors of Public Health supports the adoption of Plan B given the early evidence that Omicron is more transmissible than Delta.

“This is a new variant, but the public health measures we have been advising throughout apply. This includes hand washing; face coverings; well ventilated spaces; social distancing; working from home; equitable vaccination roll out; effective test, trace and isolate and robust border management. These measures need to be communicated clearly and consistently and resourced properly and sustainably – including the role of Directors of Public Health and their teams at a local level.

“A combination of policies, messages and actions will help reduce transmission, hospitalisations and deaths. Limiting the spread is essential to keeping society, education and the economy open which is what everyone wants.

“Throughout the pandemic, the collective efforts of the public have been incredible. We must, once again, all do our bit to protect each other.”