Date posted: 09 December 2021

England moves to Plan B COVID-19 restrictions

Yesterday (8 December), the Prime Minister gave a statement on COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

Due to the latest data and the fast spread of Omicron cases in the UK, Boris Johnson confirmed that the government will move to Plan B in England. As part of this, the following measures were announced.

From Monday 13 December, those who can will be advised to work from home. Employers should use the rest of this week to discuss working arrangements with their employees
From Friday 10 December, the government will further extend the legal requirement to wear a face mask to most public indoor venues, including theatres and cinemas. There will be exemptions in venues where it is not practical to wear one, such as when you are eating, drinking or exercising.
From Wednesday 15 December, and subject to parliamentary approval, the NHS Covid Pass on the NHS App will become mandatory for entry into nightclubs and settings where large crowds gather – including 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.
People will be able to demonstrate proof of two vaccine doses via the app. Having considered the evidence since the emergence of Omicron, proof of a negative lateral flow test will also be accepted.
As Omicron spreads in the community, the government also intends to introduce daily contact tests for contacts of confirmed positive Omicron cases instead of the ten-day self-isolation period.

A full list of guidance on these changes is expected to be available on Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) in due course.

As we enter the festive period everyone is being asked to play their part in getting rates down. Ensuring you are vaccinated or going for your booster jab when invited are the most effective things we can all do to stop the spread of the virus. So please #GrabTheJab!

Other ways you can help prevent the spread of infection include:

Letting the fresh air in inside or meeting outside
Wearing a face covering – even if other people aren’t, do the right thing and wear one in crowded spaces or on transport
Test regularly – especially if you are heading out to see people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they caught Covid. Over the festive period, this might mean every day
Staying at home if you are unwell
Washing your hands
Continuing to use the Covid-19 app
Getting your Covid vaccine and flu jab – get protected this winter to boost your immunity

Let’s help protect ourselves and others in the lead up to Christmas. Play your part so together we can #KeepSurreySafe

For an update on current Covid rates go to surreycc.gov.uk/covidcases

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England moves to Plan B COVID-19 restrictions

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