Jersey's top medic warns new Covid restrictions are likely in the New Year

Jersey's top medic says further restrictions are likely in the New Year as the Omicron variant of coronavirus continues to spread.

15 cases have been found so far in the island, although the real number is expected to be higher.

The government has previously announced that the requirement to wear masks in indoor public spaces will come into force again on January 4, with a strong recommendation to work from home. Only those who have received their booster dose of the vaccine will be considered 'fully vaccinated'.

However, speaking to ITV Channel TV, Jersey's Director of Public Health says tougher measures may be needed to control the spread of the virus.

The warning comes after Jersey followed Guernsey in scrapping isolation measures for direct contacts of Omicron cases.

Instead of quarantining for ten days at home, contacts will only need to take a PCR test and daily lateral flow tests.

Those currently in isolation have been told that it is safe to leave quarantine and follow the new measures.