Public told to follow 'Plan B' as Omicron spreads

Article updated 13 December 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on 8 December 2021 that he was bringing in ‘Plan B’ after discovering that cases of the Covid variant Omicron, could be doubling every 2-3 days. He said he hoped the measures would help avoid increased pressure on the health service.
Plan B rules
-
From 10 December: face coverings will be required by law in most indoor settings
-
From 13 December: office workers who can work from home, should do so
-
From 14 December: household contacts of people who test positive via PCR test with suspected Omicron, must take daily lateral flow tests every day for 7 days
-
From 15 December: people aged 18+ have to show their NHS Covid Pass at certain venues to prove vaccination, have a negative lateral flow test or an exemption
Earlier rules:
-
From November 29: facemasks advised in communal areas of secondary schools
-
From November 30: Vaccinated people arriving into the UK must buy and take a PCR test by Day 2; unvaccinated people must test before and after travel and quarantine for 10 days.
To check latest guidance go to https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus