Face coverings are expected to become mandatory in England once again amid fears Covid vaccinations may not protect people from a new coronavirus variant.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the added restrictions during a press conference to the nation this evening (Saturday, 27 November).
“We don’t yet know how effective our vaccines will be against Omicron but there is evidence they will provide some protection and your response will be stronger if you get the variant”, he said.
Mr Johnson said we now need to take “proportionate and targeted measures” in order to slow its spread in Britain.
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He added that the rules will relate to the wearing of face coverings “in shops and public transport’.
He said the tighter rules will be “temporary and precautionary” after two cases of the mutant Omicron Covid variant were confirmed in Essex and Nottingham.
“We’re looking at retail and transport, going back to a position where you have to wear [face coverings in those places].”
Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed he would be revealing further details about the new rules in the coming days.
