NEW rules to stop the spread of Covid mean masks will be required in many enclosed and crowded places.
The Prime Minister confirmed in his address today that cinemas and theatres would be impacted by the tightened restrictions.
There will be mandatory vaccine passports in clubs and parties with lots of people also.
The Prime Minister unveiled the new rules in a press conference about plans to “slow the spread of the virus”, as he urged Brits to get booster jabs.
Mandatory face masks have already been in force for shops and public transport after coming in last week.
This was a first attempt to stem the rising cases of the Covid variant, Omicron, but with rocketing cases in recent weeks, the government has decided to tighten restrictions.
Over 500 cases have been recorded of the new variant so far.
The government guidance says: “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.”
The PM said: “There’ll be of course exemptions where it’s not practical, such as when eating, drinking, exercising or singing.”
We understand that it means that masks won’t be mandatory in pubs but we are awaiting the full guidance on the new rules from the government.
We will update this story once we know more.
Vaccine passports for crowded venues will be introduced from next Wednesday.
This applies more to clubs – and not pubs and restaurants.
It’s due to apply to unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 or any venue more than 10,000 in capacity.
The NHS pass can still be obtained with two doses and negative lateral flow test also sufficient.
Other than the new mask rules and vaccine passport updates, other restrictions have been imposed too.
Working from home except for key workers will be introduced from Monday, though again, it’s not a legal requirement.
Employers can use the rest of the week to discuss working arrangements with workers, but everyone is advised to work from home if they can.
The Prime Minister said this was to help reduce contact and help slow transmission of the new variant.
But he also said that people should NOT cancel their Christmas parties but get tested instead.
No more restrictions should be expected in the long term either.
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