Following detection of the new Omicron Variant in the UK, the Government has announced a tightening of restrictions.
The new measures include:
- From Tuesday 30 November, face coverings will once again be compulsory in shops and on public transport
- The Department of Education has announced that pupils in years 7 and above, and all visitors, will need to wear masks in communal areas.
- All contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be required to self-isolate for 10 days. This is regardless of a person’s vaccination status
- Anyone entering the UK will require a PCR test by the end of the second day after their arrival and will need to self-isolate until they have a negative result. The change will be brought in “as soon as possible” following agreement with the other UK nations (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
- The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) – the UK’s vaccine advisory body – will consider giving the booster vaccine “to as wide as group as possible”. It will also reduce the gap between the second dose and booster.
The Prime Minister said the new rules were temporary and would be reviewed after three weeks.
People are encouraged to continue to get their COVID-19 booster and flu jabs, to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter.
