Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced new rules as part of England Winter covid 'Plan B' in response to the spread of the Omicron variant.
The rules include guidance to work from home if possible and face coverings will be requires "in most indoor venues from including theatres and cinemas" from Friday (December 10).
In a press conference yesterday the Prime Minister also announced that covid passports, showing vaccination status will be required to enter crowded venues from Wednesday.
READ MORE : New Plan B face mask rules and where you now need to wear one
What venues are included in the rules
From Wednesday December 15, a covid passport will be required to enter nightclubs, indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people and any venue with more than 10,000 people.
People who are not fully vaccinated will also be able to gain entry to venues by showing proof of a negative (rapid) lateral flow test taken within the last 48 hours (such as email or text message) or proof of vaccination exemption.
Covid Passes will not be required for communal worship, wedding ceremonies, funerals and other commemorative events, protests, and mass participation sporting events.
How to download a covid Passport
A covid Passport shows proof of vaccination or vaccination exemption or a recent negative test.
It can be accessed through the free NHS app, which is available to everyone registered with a GP in England.
An NHS log in is required to access this service - you can register for this here.
A paper version of vaccination status can also be printed from the NHS website or requested through the post by calling 119.
If you are exempt from vaccination through medical reasons, you may also apply for a Covid Passport to prove this and gain access to venues.
A digital covid passport showing full vaccination is valid for 30 days, it can be renewed by logging onto the NHS app and downloading it again onto your device.
A covid Pass showing a negative covid test will last for 48 hours from the time the result was issued.
What is my NHS number?
An NHS number is a unique 10 digit number used to match you to your health records.
It speeds up access to a covid Passport and makes booking a COVID-19 vaccine easier.
Your NHS number is printed on correspondence from your GP such as appointment letter or test results.
You can also call your GP and and for your NHS number or view it by logging into the NHS app.
