Face coverings are to be made mandatory in shops and on public transport in England, Boris Johnson has announced, amid “temporary and precautionary” measures to combat the new Omicron variant of coronavirus.
It comes after the first two cases – which are “linked” and have been connected to travel to southern Africa – were located in England late last night.
Addressing the nation at a Downing Street press conference, the PM also revealed that all arrivals into the UK will be required to take a PCR test once more and isolate at home until a negative Covid result has been confirmed. A review into all these new rules will be conducted in three weeks, he added.
The measures have, however, been criticised by many who believe they do not go far enough to tackle the “extremely transmissible” variant. Prof Susan Michie, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said the precautions were “Plan B Lite when we should have had Plan B Plus”. She told BBC News she was “very surprised [Mr Johnson] hasn’t gone further”.
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