Boris Johnson has announced further restrictions to slow down the spread of the Omicron virus
England will move to the so called plan B over the next week.
Face masks will be required in more indoor venues such as theatres and museums from Friday.
People will be asked to work from home from next week if possible while so called vaccine passports will be introduced for indoor venues over 500 people, outdoor venues over 4000 and all venues over 10,000 requiring proof that you have been double vaccinated
However in a concession to Tory backbenchers a negative lateral flow test will also give people entry to such venues
The measures will not relate to the hospitality sector.All plan B measures will be reviewed on the 5th January
Matthew Fell, CBI Chief Policy Director, said:
“Fresh restrictions are a big setback for businesses, particularly for those in hospitality and retail who are in a critical trading period, as well as others such as transport.
“While Covid certification can support public health, careful implementation and enforcement will be required to assist businesses affected.
“It will be vital that the impact of these restrictions is closely monitored, and that the government is ready with targeted support as required.
“Omicron will quite likely not be the last variant. We need to create consistency in our approach and build confidence by reducing the oscillation between normal life and restrictions. Prioritising daily testing, rather than self-isolation, is a good step. Firms need continued forward guidance and a commitment from government to prioritise ongoing free, mass rapid testing as we learn to live with the virus.
“Meanwhile, firms will continue to do all they can to protect their staff and customers, including being as flexible as possible to enable employees to get their boosters.”
The announcement came shortly after Allegra Stratton resigned as a Government advisor after she was seen on the video joking about The Downing Street Xmas party which took place last December
Stratton in a tearful statement offered her “profound apologies” after a video emerged of her laughing about a reported Downing Street Christmas party at a mock press conference.
Stratton added: “My remarks seemed to make light of rules, rules that people were doing everything to obey. That was never my intention” adding that “I understand the anger and frustration that people feel. To all of you who lost loved ones, endured intolerable loneliness and struggled with your business – I am sorry”
