The government has announced new COVID-19 rules for England, known as Plan B. The rules will start coming into effect from Friday 10 December. This is in response to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in the UK. Bristol has it’s first confirmed case of the Omicron variant.
Bristol City Council have confirmed they are working with the The UK Health Security Agency and local partners to protect the health and safety of local people. They stress that the protective measures for Omicron are the same as for existing variants. They ask that people remain cautious; to continue washing their hands, covering their faces and ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated.
The new Plan B COVID-19 rules are:
Friday 10th December – Wear face masks in most indoor settings (unless exempt)
- Face coverings will become compulsory in most public indoor venues, such as cinemas, theatres and places of worship. Face masks will not be required in hospitality settings.
Monday 13th December – Work from home
- Those who can will be advised to work from home.
Wednesday 15 December – Covid Pass required for large gatherings
- The NHS Covid Pass on the NHS App will become mandatory for entry into nightclubs and settings where large crowds gather – including unseated indoor events with 500 or more attendees, unseated outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees and any event with 10,000 or more attendees.
The government continue to advise that vaccines remain the best line of defence. It is important that those who are unvaccinated come forward, and those eligible for their boosters book when called.