The announcement revealed the Prime Ministers plans to re-introduce compulsory mask wearing in shops and on public transport. PCR tests will also become mandatory for those entering the country and self-isolation periods will be mandatory for those who have been in contact with the new variant – even if fully jabbed.
The tightening of the rules is a result over growing fears and concerns of the new coronavirus variant, Omicron. The new variant was first found in South Africa and has been officially declared a ‘variant of concern’ in comparison to the lesser threatening term ‘variant of interest’ by the World Health Organisation.
The first reports of the virus stemmed from South Africa on Wednesday with reports the virus may have a higher re-infection risk than other variants.
Characteristics of the virus include a large number of mutations in comparisons to other variants. Due to the recent discovery, there are still many questions to be asked about the new variant. In a recent statement from the WHO regarding the new strain, it was stated that ‘researchers in South Africa and around the world are conducting studies to better understand many aspects of Omicron’.
Despite this, Boris Johnson proceeded to state that Christmas this year will be ‘considerably better’ than the last.
Although mask wearing has become compulsory again in shops, universities and public transport, England has not followed the plans of Scotland and Wales, who have announced that mask wearing will also be mandatory in hospitality settings.
Mask wearing can reduce the spread of the virus, as small droplets called aerosols can exist in the air indoors for a minimum of five minutes if there is no source of ventilation. Masks can reduce the number of aerosols in the air, meaning if someone is contaminated, they will be less likely to spread the particles to others.
