A NEW Covid variant discovered has been branded a variant of concern, as it is said to be more dangerous and spread more easily.
The Health Secretary has since imposed some restrictions to reduce the spread of the Omicron variant.
What are the new rules on face masks?
The latest caution about the Covid super-strain Omicron was announced at a press conference in Downing Street this evening amid growing concerns over the new variant.
Government scientists have warned that the new Covid variant spreads rapidly, can be transmitted between fully vaccinated people and makes jabs less effective.
It’s feared that the Omicron variant could weaken vaccine protection by 40 per cent.
As a result, Sajid Javid has said face masks will be compulsory in shops and on public transport in England from Tuesday.
MPs are due to vote on confirming the measures after they come into force.
The government has stopped short of extending vaccine passports in England and issuing advice to work from home, which are part of its Plan B – a contingency plan if intervention on Covid is needed to protect the NHS.
Where do I need to wear them?
From Tuesday, face masks will be compulsory to wear in shops and on public transport.
This will bring England in line with other parts of the UK.
What did Boris Johnson say in his speech November, 27?
Experts warned that the strain was the most evolved so far with 50 mutations, 32 of which are a particular concern and could be worse than Delta.
In a speech on November 27, Boris Johnson urged all Brits to get their jabs and confirmed that the third vaccine campaign would get a “boost” by reducing the waiting time between the second jab and the booster.
Boris Johnson described the measures as “temporary and precautionary” – and said they will be reviewed in three weeks’ time.
While the prime minister refused to say whether further restrictions could be imposed, he said he is “confident” that this Christmas will be “considerably better than the last.
As well as the re-introduction of masks, he said that PCR tests would be required for all overseas arrivals.
10 new countries have been added to the travel red list as a result of the variant discovery.
So from 4am on Sunday November 28, anyone arriving from these destinations will need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 days.