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U.K. Prime Minister Announces New 'Plan B' Coronavirus Rules Boris Johnson announced the rules Wednesday, even as scientists say that the Omicron variant is less deadly with milder symptoms than the delta variant of the Chinese coronavirus. "It's not a lockdown, it's Plan B," the prime minister said, apparently in response to critics wary of another set of strict lockdown measures like the one in place most of last year and early this year. Johnson said more is still being learned about Omicron and the picture might get better, but that it "could lead to a big rise in hospitalizations and therefore sadly in deaths." This is contrary to what scientists say about the variant, which even the World Health Organization recently announced that no one has died of. Here is a summary of the Plan B rules: Everyone should test using a lateral flow device, particularly before entering a high-risk setting involving people you wouldn’t normally come into contact with, or when visiting a vulnerable person. Lateral flow devices remain free of charge and can be collected from local pharmacies. From Friday 10 December, face coverings will become compulsory in most public indoor venues, such as cinemas, theatres and places of worship. There will be exemptions in venues where it is not practical to wear one, such as when you are eating, drinking or exercising. For that reason, face masks will not be required in hospitality settings. From Monday 13 December, those who can will be advised to work from home. From Wednesday 15 December, and subject to parliamentary approval, 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. People will be able to demonstrate proof of two vaccine doses via the app. Having considered the evidence since the emergence of Omicron, proof of a negative lateral flow test will also be accepted. Introducing Covid-status certification from next Wednesday will give businesses a week’s notice, as promised in the government’s proposals for introducing mandatory certification published in September. https://www.keneci.com/read-more-hotfeed-on-keneci-channel#h.i5i0a2zhhvgu