Prime Minister confirms move to Plan B in bid to curb Omicron spread

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a move to the government’s Plan B for curbing the spread of Covid-19 in response to community transmission of the newly emerged Omicron variant.

The announcement was made to Parliament on Wednesday 8th December, and confirmed during a televised press briefing that evening. The move expands on rules over face coverings that were brought in for shops and public transport at the end of November.

Under the new Plan B guidance, from Friday 10th December, face coverings will become compulsory in most public indoor venues, such as cinemas, theatres and places of worship, in addition to shops and on public transport. They will not be required in hospitality settings, or when it is not practical to do so, such as while eating and drinking, or exercising.

From Monday 13th December, those for whom it is possible are once again advised to work from home, with businesses given the remainder of this week to prepare for the change.

From Wednesday 15th December, subject to parliamentary approval, proof of vaccination or Covid status via the NHS Covid Pass on the NHS App will be mandatory for entry to nightclubs and other settings with large numbers of attendees. Unseated indoor events with 500 or more attendees, unseated outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees and any event with 10,000 or more attendees will all be required to request attendees demonstrate two or more vaccine doses, or proof of a negative lateral flow test. Unlike existing rules in Wales and Scotland, smaller events, venues and hospitality settings will not be required to ask for Covid-status certification.

A comprehensive list of changes to Covid-19 guidance is expected to be published on the government website in the coming days following the Prime Minister’s announcement.

Plan B regulations are currently set to expire after six weeks, but with a review planned after three weeks to monitor their effectiveness at mitigating the transmission of the Omicron variant.

Also announced, NHS has confirmed the expansion of the booster vaccination programme, with anyone aged 40 or over now able to book a third dose of the jab via the National Booking Service.

The dose interval between jabs has also been reduced to three months, with those eligible able to book an appointment once two months have passed since their second dose was administered.