Face coverings will be required again in the UK next week as part of measures to combat the new variant of the coronavirus in shops. And public transport Covid, Omicron said, the Prime Minister said. PCR testing will be introduced for everyone entering the UK. And all contacts with new cases will need to self-isolate, even if fully injected.
The new version was first announced from South Africa on Wednesday, with preliminary evidence suggesting a higher risk of reinfection.
Johnson said, “Our scientists are learning more and more over time. And it appears that Covid Omicron is spreading very quickly and can spread among people who have been double-vaccinated. The Prime Minister said the “tightening” of the mask rules would be outlined “next day” by Health Minister Sajid Javid. However, he did not say when PCR testing would begin. And in a Health Ministry press release only said it was one of the steps “to be carried out next week.”
Covid restrictions were tightened in the UK last year before Christmas due to a spike in cases.
When asked by the Ian Watson if the Prime Minister had confidence that people could stick to their Christmas plans this year, Johnson said. We are still in a strong position, thanks in large part to the speed with which vaccines are being implemented. So, another boost and … I’m pretty sure this Christmas will be much better than last Christmas.” Countries worldwide are introducing travel bans. And restrictions for South African governments to limit the spread of the option.
According to the plan:
- Anyone entering the UK (excluding the Channel Islands and Ireland general travel areas) must take a PCR test at the end of the second day after arrival and self-isolate until negative.
- Everyone who can be contacted for a suspected Omicron case should self-isolate, whether they have been fully injected or not.