Karen Bradley: In this week's column on Nub News, the Moorlands MP has discussed the importance of local artists.

As we see a rise in cases, a return of lockdown restrictions in Europe and the emergence of the Omicron variant in recent days, the Government is urging those eligible for a booster to take up the offer as soon as possible to protect themselves, their families and help to reduce the pressure on the NHS.

We always knew the coming months would be challenging and whilst we have seen some outbreaks here in the Moorlands, vaccines remain our best defence against the virus.

Earlier this week the Health Secretary updated Parliament with the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), to halve the minimum dose interval for booster jabs from six months to three months and expand the booster programme to include all remaining adults aged 18 and above.

The Omicron variant is a stark reminder that we are not yet out of this pandemic, and we must take steps to protect the gains we have made in our fight against the virus.

The Prime Minister has said that it appears that Omicron spreads very rapidly, and can be spread between people who are double vaccinated.

He has therefore announced new temporary and precautionary measures and from this Tuesday, all contacts of suspected Omicron cases must by law self-isolate for 10 days, face coverings will become compulsory in shops and on public transport, and all international arrivals must take a PCR test on or before day 2 and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

Booster jabs and second doses will protect the progress we have already made through our phenomenal vaccination programme, ensuring we can enjoy Christmas safely.

People are encouraged to come forward for their jabs as soon as they are eligible to get the best possible protection ahead of winter.