On 8 December 2021 the government announced the implementation of "Plan B" in response to the increase in cases of the Omicron variant. For the latest detailed guidance on what you can or cannot do, go to the government website. The following is a summary of the latest guidance:
- Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer
- Wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces. From Tuesday 30 November this is mandatory in shops and on public transport. See the government website for detailed guidance on where to wear a face covering and exceptions
- From 10 December mandatory face covering rules are extended to most indoor settings (but will not include hospitality settings)
- From 13 December, guidance is for people to work from home if they can. Anyone who cannot work from home should continue to travel to their workplace.
- From 15 December, mandatory certification will be introduced for certain settings. This will mean a requirement to show vaccination status or a recent negative test to enter certain high risk settings
- Get tested and self-isolate if required
- If you haven’t already, get vaccinated
COVID-19 remains a serious health risk. You should stay cautious to help protect yourself and others.
The UK's booster COVID-19 vaccination programme is ongoing and is being extended to wider age groups. Those who are eligible will be contacted by the NHS to come forward for their booster jab. You can also book a booster yourself if you meet certain conditions. Check the NHS website for more information.
People who are double jabbed or aged under 18 will not normally be required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case. However all contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their vaccination status. They will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace. For further information please see the latest announcement.
For international travel restrictions and isolation requirements visit the government website. From Tuesday 30 November, all international arrivals will be required to take a Day 2 PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative test.
For detailed information see the government's COVID-19 Autumn and Winter response plan.
For a breakdown of cases in England visit the government's data website which is updated daily.
