Plan B covid restrictions are set to come to an end this month, according to reports.
The rules were introduced in England in December as an attempt to curb the rise in cases as the Omicron variant swept across the country.
They meant office workers who can work from home were asked to do so, covid passes for certain venues and events were introduced and face coverings became required by law in many indoor settings.
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However, Boris Johnson confirmed earlier this month the restrictions in England would expire on January 26, pending the outcome of a government review.
Reports in the Telegraph suggest January 26 will indeed see the end of covid passes and the work from home guidance, however face mask rules may remain in some settings.
Additionally, Conservative MP and party chairman Oliver Dowden said that the “signs are encouraging” for lifting covid restrictions in England at the end of the month.
Mr Dowden told Sky News’ Trevor Phillips On Sunday programme: “It has always been my hope that we would have the Plan B restrictions for the shortest period possible.
“I’m under no doubt the kind of burdens this puts hospitality, wider business, schools and so on under, and I want us to get rid of those if we possibly can.
“The signs are encouraging but, clearly, we will wait to see the data ahead of that final decision.”
A government announcement regarding the measures is expected this week.
Below, we have listed the changes people can expect when Plan B restrictions are lifted, as well as rules that may stay the same.
Covid passes
Since December 15, certain venues and events have had to check that all attendees aged 18 and over are fully vaccinated against covid, or have proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or have a medical exemption.
The government website states that the use of the NHS covid pass is required as a condition of entry into the following places:
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nightclubs, dancehalls and discotheques;
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other late night dance venues - any other venues that are open between 1am and 5am; serve alcohol during this time; have a dancefloor (or designated space for dancing); and provide music, whether live or recorded, for dancing.
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indoor events with 500 or more unseated attendees, where those attendees are likely to stand or move around for all or part of the event, such as music venues with standing audiences or large receptions;
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outdoor events with 4,000 or more unseated attendees, where those attendees are likely to stand or move around for all or part of the event, such as outdoor festivals;
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any events with 10,000 or more attendees indoor or outdoor, such as large sports and music events
This has meant Everton and Liverpool fans have had to display covid passes in order to attend matches at Goodison Park and Anfield over the past month.
However, Tranmere Rovers confirmed in December that covid passes would not be required to attend matches at Prenton Park, due to attendees expected to be below 10,000.
If the guidance does expire on January 26, the first Everton home match not to require a covid pass for entry will be the club’s FA Cup fixture against Brentford on February 5, while Liverpool’s game against Cardiff the following day will be the first such game at Anfield.
If the measure is scrapped, anyone attending any of Liverpool’s nightclubs from January 26 onwards will no longer have to show the pass
Face masks
The Plan B restrictions mean that face coverings are required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport, including taxis.
However, there are some exceptions, including gyms, exercise facilities and hospitality venues.
You do not have to wear a face covering in places such as pubs, bars, nightclubs restaurants and cafés as it is not viewed as practical to keep removing face coverings in order to eat and drink.
Certain reports suggest that face coverings could remain in some settings following the expiry of Plan B measures,
Work from home
Since December 13, office workers who can do their job from home have been asked to do so.
People who cannot not work from home are allowed to continue to go into work, but are advised to consider taking regular lateral flow tests.
The government asked employers to consider whether home working is appropriate for certain workers, where they are facing mental or physical health difficulties, or have a particularly challenging home working environment.
It is expected that the work from home guidance will end on January 26 and workers will be able to return to their workplaces.
Self-isolation
As of today (January 17), if you are self-isolating due to contracting covid, you can leave isolation at the start of day six if you get two negative rapid lateral flow test results on days five and six and do not have a temperature.
Additionally, since January 11, most people who get a positive rapid lateral flow test result will not need to take a PCR test to confirm the result.
These rules are separate to the Plan B measures and are expected to remain in place for some time.
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