Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has announced a new ‘Plan B’ in England to help tackle the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.
The latest measures are designed to slow the spread of the virus and reduce the chances of the NHS coming under unsustainable pressure, while also allowing time to deliver more booster vaccinations.
The new plan includes:
• Mandatory facemasks in most indoor settings;
• Introducing mandatory NHS pass certification for large events;
• Those who can work from home should do so where practical; and,
• A new system of daily contact testing.
On November 30, the Government reintroduced masks in shops, on public transport and at hubs like railway stations.
As of December 10, it is mandatory to wear face masks in most indoor settings and on public transport, including taxis. There will be exemptions where face coverings are not practical, such as in hospitality settings including cafes, restaurants and pubs, or in nightclubs and other night-time dance venues.
Staff in those mandatory settings will also be required to wear face coverings when they are in a part that is open to the public. Staff may also wear face coverings when working in settings where face coverings are not required, and businesses are encouraged to support them in doing so.
From Monday December 13 (today), people who can work from home should do so to reduce contact with others both in the workplace and on public transport.
Employers should discuss working arrangements with employees and encourage any employees who have to continue going into work to take regular tests to manage their own risk and the risks to others.
From Wednesday December 15, visitors will be required to show their NHS COVID Pass as a condition of entry to certain venues and events in England. People can acquire an NHS COVID Pass via two full doses of vaccination, or proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours.
Certification will be required in:
• All nightclubs, dance halls and discotheques, and any other venue that:
– is open between 1am and 5am;
– serves alcohol during this period;
– has a dance floor or space for dancing to be used by members of the public; and,
– provides music for dancing
• indoor events with 500 or more attendees where attendees are likely to stand or move around for all or part of the event;
• outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees where attendees are likely to stand or move around for all or part of the event; and,
• very large events with 10,000 or more attendees, irrespective of how many attendees are seated.
The Government will also introduce a policy of Daily Contact Testing as soon as possible as an alternative to self-isolation for fully vaccinated contacts of positive cases. This would break chains of transmission while also protecting against workforce shortages. Details on this are currently being finalised and will be published shortly.
Further guidance on all these measures will be available shortly at the Government website HERE.
COVID rules and guidelines still vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Scotland
• People are encouraged to keep a distance from people not in their group. And the two-metre rule distancing rule remain in healthcare settings.
• People have been urged to defer Christmas parties
• Masks are compulsory on public transport and in shops
• Teachers and secondary school pupils have to wear masks indoors.
• Pubs, restaurants and cafes must record customers’ contact details.
• People are encouraged to work from home where possible.
• Proof of vaccine status is required at nightclubs and other venues.
More information HERE
Wales
• Since November 15, the NHS Covid pass has been mandatory for entry to theatres, cinemas and concert halls.
• Face coverings are already compulsory on public transport, and in shops and hospitals. But you do not have to wear masks at cafes, restaurants and pubs in Wales, or at weddings.
• People are also urged to work from home if possible.
More information HERE.
Northern Ireland
• Indoor parties of more than 30 people are banned.
• Face coverings are mandatory on public transport, and in shops, indoor seated venues and visitor attractions.
• Pupils over 13 must wear a face covering in school and on school transport. Teachers are encouraged to wear masks in schools.
More information HERE.
