UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposes coronavirus Plan B to tackle Omicron
- The PM warned that the new variant was ‘growing much faster’ than Delta, and cases could be doubling every two or three days
- Christmas parties can go ahead, but mask rules will be extended, work-from-home guidance will return, and Covid-19 passes will be needed at large venues
Work-from-home guidance will return, Covid-19 health certificates are to become mandatory in large venues and mask rules will be extended to combat the Omicron variant as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a move to his Plan B to tackle the coronavirus in England.
The prime minister warned it is clear the new strain is “growing much faster” than Delta, and cases of Omicron could be doubling every two or three days as he strengthened England’s rules to slow the spread of Covid-19.
Johnson said Christmas parties and nativities could go ahead, but urged people to “exercise due caution” and get their booster jabs.
Mandatory mask wearing will be extended to indoor public venues including cinemas, theatres and places of worship from Friday – but will not be required in pubs and restaurants, while the guidance to work from home where possible will return on Monday.
The NHS Covid-19 pass, which can be obtained by having two vaccines or a negative lateral flow test, will be introduced for entry into nightclubs and other large venues from December 15, as Johnson set out the “proportionate and responsible” measures.