All the new covid rules for UK and what could be next for England

Rules and regulations have been changing again all across the UK as the Omicron covid variant is on the rise.

Boris Johnson has declared an "Omicron emergency" as the UK is to expect a "tidal wave" as the virus takes over the nation, and he has urged every eligible adult to get boosted as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister held a press conference on December 8 where he said it was now "proportionate and responsible" to move England into Plan B measures as new variable of coronavirus, Omicron, is on the rise.

READ MORE: Pregnant women put on UK's covid vaccine priority list

Wales, Scotland and Ireland have all had their own rules changed and set and each country differs, with some countries having more things "locked down" than others.

We take a look at what rules are where and what it could mean is coming for England.

England

A range of changes came into effect for England after the Prime Minister's announcement last week including having to work from home if you can, wearing face coverings in more places such as theatres and being urged to get boosted as soon as possible.

Later, while speaking at a Downing Street press conference, Professor Whitty told the public: "Don't mix with people you don't have to for either work or for family things."

He urged them to prioritise the events and celebrations "that really matter to them".

While nightclubs and events aren't being shut down over the Christmas period, the government have still asked people to act with caution as Johnson said: "Think carefully before you go - what kind of event is it? are you likely to meet people who are vulnerable? are you going to meet loads of people you haven't met before? - and get a test."

Some venues and events, such as nightclubs, are now legally required to check the Covid status of visitors over 18 and proof of being fully vaccinated (currently two doses), proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or an exemption are needed.

Face coverings are compulsory in most indoor public venues, including theatres and cinemas, as well as on public transport and in places like shops and hairdressers. Masks won't be needed in pubs or restaurants, or venues like gyms where it's "not practical".

Isolation rules also changed as anyone who's been in contact with a positive covid case, and is fully vaccinated, now has to take lateral flow tests for seven days.

But, anyone with covid symptoms, or who tests positive, must self-isolate still.

With various changes happening across the UK, it could be that there are further changes in store for England too.

Wales

The Welsh government has said Covid rules will now be reviewed every week, and met twice on Thursday to decide how to tackle the new variant, amid alarm at growing case numbers in the UK.

They have decided that anyone who can work from home should and introduced new stricter restrictions to include extra measures to protect customers and staff - such as one-way systems and physical barriers.

People are being urged to take lateral flow tests before leaving their homes and going to interact with others, for example, when shopping, or visiting others.

They are also now being asked to wear masks in pubs and restaurants when not eating or drinking.

It was also announced that Wales will close nightclubs from December 27 in a bid to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

But, before then, people are advised to follow five steps for a "safer Christmas".

They are being asked to:

1. Get vaccinated
2. Take a lateral flow test before going Christmas shopping or visiting people
3. Meeting outdoors is better than indoors. If you must meet indoors, make sure it is ventilated
4. Space out your socialising and leave at least a day between events
5. Social distance, wear a face mask and wash your hands

There will also be a delayed reopening for schools when pupils return in January.

Existing restrictions include:

• NHS Covid Pass needed for entry to nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert halls and many other indoor and outdoor events
• working from home wherever possible
• compulsory face coverings in schools, on public transport, and in shops and hospitals

Scotland

Scots have been urged to limit social interactions in the build-up to Christmas, meeting with no more than three households at a time, and people have been encouraged to postpone work parties.

Shops and hospitality outlets have to work to reduce crowding and queueing, erect screens and barriers and enforce the wearing of face masks, as they are legally required to take measures to minimise transmission amid concerns about the Omicron variant.

While those who can work from home should as employers will have a legal duty to let staff work from home.

Care home residents rules have also changed again as they can only have two visitors from two households who will need to be tested before making any visits.

Other measures are already in place:

• People have to isolate for 10 days - regardless of vaccination status or a negative test - if anyone in their household tests positive for Covid
• They will also have to isolate if they've been in close contact with someone from another household who's tested positive, and take a PCR test (if it's negative and they are double-vaccinated, they can end isolation)
• 2m (6ft) physical distancing rules remain in healthcare settings such as hospitals, GP surgeries and dentists
• face coverings still compulsory on public transport and most indoor spaces
• all school staff and secondary pupils to wear face coverings indoors
• indoor hospitality venues must collect customer contact details
• all over-18s required to prove their vaccine status or show a negative test at nightclubs and other venues
• people are urged to take LFTs before mixing with other households
• care home staff are asked to test themselves every day

Northern Ireland

A briefing paper presented to Executive ministers on Thursday has warned that a "significant intervention" will be needed "immediately" after Christmas in order to protect the health service, in Northern Ireland.

Earlier this week, Chief Medical Officer Sir Michael McBride urged all adults to get a booster vaccine as he and chief scientific adviser Professor Ian Young said Omicron is likely to become the dominant strain in Northern Ireland before the new year.

While there's no requirement to socially distance outside, only a maximum of 30 people from an unlimited number of households can meet indoors in domestic settings. Social distancing should be maintained as much as possible.

The booster programme in Northern Ireland is set to ramp up just like across the rest of the UK, with over 18s offered a jab from Monday at walk in hubs and appointment booking will then open from Wednesday.

Current restrictions include:

• a limit of 30 people from different households mixing in homes
• face coverings compulsory in shops, indoor seated venues and visitor attractions, public transport and some other settings
• post-primary pupils must wear a face covering inside school buildings, as well as on school transport. Staff are encouraged to wear masks in school areas where they can't socially distance
• Covid passport scheme for venues including nightclubs, bars and cinemas
• work from home wherever possible

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