UK brings back work from home back as Omicron cases surge

England has tightened  pandemic rules to curb the spread of the omicron variant, Prime minister Boris Johnson has advised people to work from home, expanded face mask rules and use of COVID-19 vaccination certificates for entry to venues, as another 131 cases of the new Omicron variant were recorded, taking the total to 568. The  UK government's Plan B winter strategy comes in force in stages starting this Friday, in an effort to slow the spread of the highly transmissible variant first detected in South Africa, which Johnson said shows a doubling time of two or three days.

Addressing a Downing Street media briefing, he said all signs indicate that Omicron transmits more rapidly than the previously dominant Delta variant of COVID-19. "From this Friday, we will further extend the legal requirement to wear face masks in public indoor venues, including theatres and cinemas. We will reintroduce guidance to work from home from Monday work from home if you can, go to work if you must but work from home if you can," said Johnson. He once again called on everyone to come forward for their COVID vaccinations, including all adults now eligible for a third top-up booster dose. Our fight against the virus is not over yet, but vaccines remain our first and best line of defence against the virus so the best way to continue to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get behind the vaccine programme and get boosted as soon as you're eligible, he said.

The National Health Service (NHS) said almost 21 million boosters and third doses have been administered in the UK. Everyone over the age of 40 who had their second dose at least three months ago will soon be able to book an appointment for their booster jab. Younger age groups will be invited by the NHS in order of age. In total, the UK recorded 51,342 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours on Wednesday and a further 161 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for the novel Coronavirus.