By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Tighter Coronavirus restrictions are being brought in as the Government attempts to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out the new restrictions – otherwise known as ‘Plan B’ – during a press conference on Wednesday evening (December 8).
The new rules include work from home guidance from December 13, further rules on wearing masks and ‘Covid certification’ being required in indoor spaces where crowds gather.
It comes after 568 cases of Omicron were detected in the UK, which scientists have classed as a ‘variant of concern’.
One of the first cases of the variant, which is thought to be more transmissible, was detected in Nottingham on November 27.
The government previously said Plan B would be implemented “if the data suggests the NHS is likely to come under unsustainable pressure”.
Plan B includes requiring people once again to work from home if they can, from Monday, December 13, as well as:
- Introducing mandatory double vaccine-only COVID-status certification in nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather
- A legal requirement to wear face coverings in certain other settings such as theatres and cinemas
- Communicating clearly and urgently to the public that the level of risk has increased, and with it the need to behave more cautiously.
Mandatory Covid certification – involving showing an NHS app Covid passport – will come in for indoor venues such as nightclubs in a week’s time. This requires the holder to have received at least two Covid vaccination jabs – or to demonstrate a recent negative lateral flow test.
Mr Johnson said: “It is the proportionate and responsible thing to move to Plan B in England so we slow the spread of the virus, to get yet more boosters into arms and understand the answers to the key outstanding questions about Omicron.”
But Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “As ever, ministers have been too slow to protect us against the virus. We should’ve been mask wearing on transport and working from home if possible already.”
The announcement follows a week of controversy for the Government after reports of a staff Christmas party at Downing Street in December 2020.
Today the Prime Minister responded that he was “furious” and “apologised unreservedly” for the offence caused by footage of senior staff joking about a party and social distancing.
Leader of the Labour Party Keir Starmer said: “Millions of people now think that the Prime Minister was taking them for fools.”
Mr Johnson has ordered an inquiry into whether rules were broken.
