Omicron causes less severe illness, but it is far more infectious than previous variants and is now the most dominant strain in the community

Feb 10, 2022

Michael Cousins

Acting Managing Editor

Good afternoon

This is your Coronavirus and general news update from the News Letter.

In the news this afternoon:

* Changes have been made to COVID-19 guidance for care home residents, reducing the isolation period for most cases and contacts.

* UUP is exactly what unionism should be says John Kyle after joining Doug Beattie’s party from PUP.

* A group of retired police officers have savaged the latest report from the Police Ombudsman, and indicated that they may take legal action.

* Omicron causes less severe illness, but it is far more infectious than previous variants and is now the most dominant strain in the community.

* Tim McGarry: Paul Givan has quit — and they are talking of little else in Paris.


	"Omicron is better at infecting people than Delta," says QUB virologist

Covid-19: Relaxation of isolation time for Northern Irish care home residents

Police Federation NI chair stepping down after seven years

The chairman of the Police Federation NI, Mark Lindsay, is stepping down after more than seven years in the post.

Shoot-out on Irish border remembered 100 years on

A “forgotten” flashpoint at the Irish border in the wake of the War of Independence that left several people dead is set to be remembered 100 years on.

Candidate switch for TUV in Lagan Valley

The TUV has announced a change of NI Assembly candidate to run in Lagan Valley.

John Kyle joins UUP from PUP

Belfast councillor Dr John Kyle has joined the Ulster Unionist Party after leaving the PUP in December.

Belfast Zoo: Baby monkey

Love is in the air as Belfast Zoo welcomes its newest member, a coppery titi monkey which was born on January 17 to mum, Inca, and dad, Aztec.

Tim McGarry: Paul Givan has quit — and they are talking of little else in Paris

Life, like Doug Beattie’s twitter feed, is often full of unpleasant surprises.

Roadshow raises awareness of ‘veteran friendly’ help and services

The Veterans Commissioner’s Office has held an information roadshow in Antrim to promote ‘veteran friendly’ services and organisations in the local and regional area.



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