Please see the latest update from UKHSA (8th September 2023) re BA.2.86.  As of 4 September, there were 34 confirmed cases of BA.2.86 identified in England. Of those 34 cases, 28 cases were from a single outbreak from a care home in Norfolk. The key points to note:-

• 33 out of 38 residents tested positive (picked up initially by LFD, then PCR confirmed, with genome sequencing).
• 19 residents were symptomatic.
• 4 remain unwell.
• 1 hospitalised.
• No deaths.
• At least 29 of the 33 residents that tested positive had received a vaccine booster 4 months previously.
• All 4 residents who tested negative had received a spring booster.
• 12 staff tested positive. All recovered.

UKHSA have been working closely with Norfolk County Council to offer infection control advice and support. The LFD tests appear to be effective in picking up this variant.

The NCF has asked DHSC to consider any additional contingency planning that might be required, including ensuring that there is a sufficient supply of tests for care providers and PPE, if an increase is deemed necessary.

At this stage there is no change to general COVID-19 guidance or testing guidance, including how to order tests. Please see the COVID-19 supplement.

The UKHSA say:

“It is clear that there is some degree of widespread community transmission, both in the UK and globally, and we are working to ascertain the full extent of this. In the meantime, it remains vital that all those eligible come forward to receive their autumn vaccine as soon as it is offered to them.”

DHSC announced last week that the autumn vaccine programme will be brought forward to 11 September as a precautionary measure following the emergence of BA.2.86.

This latest update from UKHSA emphasises the impartance of ensuring as much vaccine uptake as possible. It also reminds us that, given that all we have learned over the last few years, that we all still need to be vigilant about COVID-19, including working our system partners, communities, staff and families.