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England will head into Plan B coronavirus restrictions from next week

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 8th December 2021

Boris Johnson has confirmed that Plan B will be introduced in England from next week.

Addressing the nation in a press conference this evening, the Prime Minister has confirmed that the new measures are being brought in in a bid to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

He confirmed that Omicron is ‘growing much faster than previous variants’ and is believed to be capable of doubling in case number every two to three days.

Among the measures being introduced will be the guidance to work from home from Monday.

The PM said: “Go to work if you must but work from home if you can.

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“I know this will be hard for many people but by reducing your contacts in the workplace, you will help slow transmission.”

Other measures being brought in with Plan B will be mandatory face masks in settings like theatres and cinemas.

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The NHS Covid pass – accessed with two doses of the vaccine – is also set to be made mandatory to enter nightclubs and venues with large capacities.

Read more: Boris Johnson booed in House of Commons as he continues to insist no Downing Street Christmas party took place

Health Secretary Sajid Javid warned that Omicron cases could reach one million by the end of December, if trends continue.

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There are currently 568 confirmed cases in the UK, but Mr Javid estimated that ‘the current number of infections is probably closer to 10,000′.

Professor Chris Whitty added that Omicron is spreading at an ‘extraordinarily fast rate’.

Urging people to get their vaccines and booster jabs, Mr Johnson continued: “We need to go further and faster.”

Featured image – Gov.uk