All The Rule Changes Coming Into Force From Plan B Today

In reaction to the spread of the Omicron variant across the country, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has implemented the Plan B Covid restrictions.

During a press conference on Wednesday (8 December) Johnson revealed what measures will be triggered from today and next week.

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From today (10 December) it will be compulsory for people to begin wearing face masks again in many public venues including cinemas and theatres.

Face coverings will also need to be used on public transport, places of worship, shops, post offices, banks, beauty salons, hairdressers and during taxi rides.

However, you won't need to put your mask on in gyms, bars or restaurants.

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From Monday (13 December) those who can work from home are advised to do so. But the Prime Minister said Christmas parties and school nativity plays should still go ahead.

Speaking at the press conference, he said: "Go to work if you must, but work from home if you can. By reducing your contacts in the workplace you will help slow transmission."

From Wednesday (15 December) the NHS Covid Pass, on the NHS app, will become mandatory for entry into clubs and other large gatherings – classed as indoor events with 500 or more people, unseated outdoor events with more than 4,000, and any event with a crowd of more than 10,000.

For those without the app proof of a negative test through a text message or email from the NHS would be sufficient.

Venues which fail to comply with the regulations could face fines of up to £10,000.

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The Government hopes the measures will slow the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in order to buy time for the vaccine booster programme to bolster defences against Covid-19.

Professor Andrew Hayward, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) from University College London, said 'more social distancing, not going to work if you don’t have to, not going on public transport to go to work when you don’t have to, will make a difference'.

Speaking to Sky News, he went on: “I think it’s very difficult to predict whether that’s going to be enough, but I think it’s an essential first move."

Topics: News, UK News, Politics, Coronavirus

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a thing long before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

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