PM 'reserves the possibility' of introducing new Covid restrictions
He hasn't immediately imposed any new measures though
Last updated 27th May 2022
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to rule out the introduction of new COVID restrictions before Christmas, but didn't immediately introduce any new measures.
Speaking to broadcasters, Mr Johnson said that the government 'reserves the possibility' of bringing in new measures to stop the spread of the Omicron variant.
Following a special two-hour meeting the Cabinet, the Prime Minister said they were monitoring the data “hour by hour”.
However, he said the arguments for taking action were “very, very finely balanced” – indicating fresh measures were unlikely before Christmas.
The Prime Minister's comments come as the UK continues to struggle with the variant. On Monday (December 20th), the UK recorded nearly 92,000 new cases of coronavirus.
Boris reserves the possibility of more action
Boris Johnson has said the Government reserves the “possibility of taking further action” to protect public health due to the spread of the Omicron variant.
Following a meeting of the Cabinet the Prime Minister said they were monitoring the situation “hour by hour”.
“Unfortunately I must say to people that we will have to reserve the possibility of taking further action to protect the public, to protect public health, to protect our NHS,” he said.
“We won’t hesitate to take action.”
He said: "Omicron has simply exploded so fast that we have seen people naturally deciding to make sure that they protect themselves and they avoid spreading the disease."
Ruling nothing out
The Prime Minister said: “We are looking at all kinds of things to keep Omicron under control and we will rule nothing out.
“But at the moment, what I think we want people to focus on is exercising caution – so ventilation, masks in the appropriate places, all the usual stuff about washing hands, but remember how contagious Omicron really is.
The Government's Plan B
Face coverings
Face coverings have already become an added feature of our lives since they were reinstated at the beginning of December, but from Friday 10th December face masks will also be needed indoors in places like cinemas and theatres.
Boris Johnson said rules around the wearing of face coverings would be "further extended" to "most public indoor venues" including theatres and cinemas.
The Prime Minister told a press briefing in Downing Street: "There will of course be exemptions where it is not practical, such as when eating, drinking, exercising or singing."
Working from home
Under the rules of "Plan B", the government has reimposed the need to work from home where possible in order to stem the spread of the virus. This guidance comes into place from Monday 13th December.
Nightclubs
Under the government's "Plan B" , COVID passports will become necessary to get into all nightclubs. This is due to the close proximity people would be to each other in the venue and help to reduce the spread of the virus.
Indoor spaces
Indoor settings that have more than 500 people unseated will require a COVID Pass to enter. Examples of settings that would need attendees to have a COVID Pass would include music venues and large receptions.
Outdoor events
Outdoor events are not exempt from using COVID Passes either. Unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people will need people to have a vaccine pass. This includes outdoor music festivals, such as Glastonbury Festival.
Stadiums
COVID Passes will be needed to get into any event that is expecting more than 10,000 people to attend. This would include major sports events such as football matches, as well as music concerts in arenas.
The Prime Minister 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."