The UK COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) Cell, having reviewed further information regarding the new Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, remains of the view that the current COVID-19 IPC guidance remains otherwise fit for purpose.

There remains the need for rigorous implementation of all IPC measures, based on a dynamic risk assessment based on

·        Person

·       place and

·       environment, using a hierarchy of controls approach.

There should be an emphasis on the optimised use of personal protective equipment (PPE) (right time, right place) and which includes the safe donning and doffing of PPE.

An updated version of the guidance currently endorsed for Northern Ireland is available at

Infection prevention and control for seasonal respiratory infections in health and care settings (including SARS-CoV-2) for winter 2021 to 2022 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

and the consensus statement is also live

UK IPC Cell consensus statement in response to the emergence of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)