The Prime Minister has confirmed this evening that Plan B measures will be introduced in England starting from Monday next week.
Speaking in a public broadcast, Boris Johnson confirmed reports that Plan B measures intended to stem the spread of the Delta variant will now be brought in to slow the spread of the new Omicron strain.
Saying that Omicron is ‘growing much faster than previous variants’, he added that data so far shows that the variant seems to be capable of doubling or tripling the number of infected people 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.
“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.
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.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid warned that Omicron cases could reach one million by the end of December, if trends continue.
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
