Boris Johnson has announced that the UK will move to ‘Plan B’, in an effort to stop the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
Observers suggested that the move, which had not been rumoured until Tuesday, was conveniently timed – with the Government facing a major public backlash to allegations that Number 10 hosted Christmas parties last winter.
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday evening, as the fall out from the party row deepened, the Prime Minister confirmed that he was advising a return to working from home from Monday, ‘if you can’.
Vaccine passports are also being introduced in ‘certain settings’, including nightclubs – but Mr Johnson again ruled out mandatory vaccines.
That means the NHS Covid pass will be made mandatory in England in a week’s time for venues where large crowds gather – including sporting events.
The requirement to wear face masks will also be extended to ‘most indoor settings’, including theatres and cinemas, from Friday.
The PM said: ‘There will of course be exemptions where it is not practical, such as when eating, drinking, exercising or singing.’
[perc-banner