Prime minister Boris Johnson has announced new restrictions for England in a bid to stop coronavirus cases rising.
With the latest variant of the virus spreading, the new measures are intended to slow the spread of infections - which currently stand at over 50,000 a day - in the lead-up to Christmas.
The newly-identified omicron variant is believed to be more transmissible that the delta strain, and the government has been pushed to take action.
The new plan includes everyone to work from home where possible from next Monday (13th December), with employers being given the rest of the week to make the necessary arrangements. It comes just days after Nicola Sturgeon ordered Scots to work from home where necessary.
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The prime minister also announced the return of covid passports for entry into large venues. These passports will still be valid for those that are double-jabbed, but are expected to be reviewed in light of the booster roll out plan that is still ongoing.
Another part of the announcement revealed that isolation may no longer be necessary as the government plans to introduce daily testing for those that test positive. This is in a bid to allow people to return to work as swiftly as possible.
Rumours of the new restrictions began swirling earlier on Wednesday when three senior Whitehall officials claimed the prime minister would be announcing the so-called 'Plan B' later in the day.
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The government's 'Plan B' strategy, which they revealed in September, is expected to help ease the winter pressures on vital services like the NHS.
In previous meetings, ministers revealed contingency steps to deal with the virus including a strengthening of government messaging, alongside other measures. To date, the reintroduction of face masks in shops and on public transport has been implemented since news of the Omicron virus emerged. Travel restrictions have also been tightened as more countries joined the UK's red list, including much of South Africa.
The news of the latest restrictions emerges as the government faces backlash over an alleged Christmas party held at 10 Downing Street last year. The rumours have been circulating, causing fury and anger amongst many who spent the festive period alone last year.
Featured Image Credit: BBCTopics: News, Boris Johnson, Coronavirus