Face coverings have become mandatory again on public transport and in shops across England as part of efforts to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant. The new rules, which took effect on Tuesday, also require all international arrivals to the UK to take a PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
The measures come after 14 cases of the Omicron variant were detected in the UK, with three additional cases found in Scotland. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said it is expected that cases of the new variant will continue to rise. Early evidence suggests Omicron has a higher re-infection risk, but scientists say it will take about three weeks to determine its impact on vaccine effectiveness.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to set out plans for the booster jab programme later on Tuesday. The government has announced a major expansion of the rollout, offering boosters to all over-18s and inviting children aged 12 to 15 for a second jab. Currently, around 2.5 million booster jabs are being given each week, and the government aims to accelerate this to combat any potential wave of infections.
Police in England have said they will work with businesses to ensure compliance with the new face covering rules. Those who refuse to wear a mask can be fined £200, reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days. However, Richard Walker, managing director of Iceland grocery chain, said he would not ask staff to police customers who refuse to wear masks, a stance supported by Care Minister Gillian Keegan, who said it is down to individuals to do the right thing.
The changes will be reviewed in three weeks, and Mr Javid said that if the variant proves no more dangerous than Delta, the measures will not be kept in place a day longer than necessary. The new rules bring England in line with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, where face coverings are already mandatory on public transport and in many indoor areas.
