New rules that come into force next week could have a major impact on pre-Christmas festivities and ruin a good night out if they're not followed properly.
On Wednesday evening Boris Johnson announced that Plan B coronavirus restrictions would soon come into force.
The plans' introduction is staggered, with face mask rules kicking in tomorrow, a working from home order on Monday and vaccine passport requirements from Wednesday.
As of December 15 proof of full vaccination status will be required in order to enter some indoor and large outdoor venues in England.
The NHS Covid Pass app will act as a certificate that must be shown when heading into certain hospitality venues.
Covid passports will be required for:
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Access to nightclubs
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Access to indoor events with more than 500 attendees, such as music venues
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Access to outdoor settings with more than 4,000 people, such as music festivals
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Access to all settings with more than 10,000 attendees, for example, sports stadiums.
Covid passports will not be required for communal worship, wedding ceremonies, funerals and other commemorative events and protests.
They are also not needed for normal sized pubs, bars and restaurants.
If you don't have access to a phone, you can access you vaccination status proof on the NHS website and print a paper copy of the passport.
Those unable to get onto the web can call 119 and request a paper letter.
There are two exemptions to the jab passport scheme.
The unvaccinated can take a lateral flow or PCR test and then log it in the NHS app.
This will produce a Covid pass which will last for 48 hours from the time the result was obtained, and can be shown via the app on a phone or on a PDF which can be printed.
If you cannot get vaccinated or tested for medical reasons you can also apply for a medical exemption, which will grant you an NHS Pass.
By allowing those who have tested negative to also enter venues, the Government is looking to placate back-bench Tory MPs who see vaccination passes as a restriction of freedoms.
Parliament will debate the measures next week, with a vote expected to take place on Tuesday 14 December.
Yesterday Johnson said: “The NHS Covid pass can still be obtained with two doses but we will keep this under review as the boosters roll out.
“And having taken clinical advice since the emergence of Omicron, a negative lateral flow test will also be sufficient.
“As we set out in Plan B, we will give businesses a week’s notice, so this will come into force in a week’s time, helping to keep these events and venues open at full capacity while giving everyone who attends them confidence that those around them have done the responsible thing to minimise risk to others.”
