Boris Johnson announced a range of new Covid measures in England on Wednesday night under the government’s ‘Plan B’ to tackle the rise in Omicron variant cases.

Work-from-home guidance will return, Covid health certificates are to become mandatory in large venues and mask rules will be extended.

Mr Johnson said Christmas parties and nativities could go ahead, but urged people to “exercise due caution” and get their booster jabs.

Mandatory mask wearing will be extended to indoor public venues including cinemas, theatres and places of worship from Friday – but will not be required in pubs and restaurants, while the guidance to work from home where possible will return on Monday.

The NHS Covid pass, which can be obtained by having two vaccines or a negative lateral flow test, will be introduced for entry into nightclubs and other large venues from December 15, as Mr Johnson set out the “proportionate and responsible” measures.

Whitchurch Herald: Daily confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK. (PA)Daily confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK. (PA)

New Covid rules introduced in England

Guidance to work from home is to be reintroduced in England as part of measures to halt the spread of the Omicron variant, Boris Johnson has announced.

From this Friday, face masks will be required to most indoor venues including theatres and cinemas for wearing face masks.

Where do you need a vaccine passport in England under Plan B?

The NHS Covid pass is to be made mandatory in England in a week’s time for nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather, Boris Johnson has announced.

These are unseated indoor venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people, and any venue with more than 10,000 people. 

The passes will still work for people who have had just two doses of a COVID vaccine, although this will be kept under review.