COVID-19 cases are increasing across England. Amidst the fear of a new variant, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a Plan B for fighting the virus. As a part of this plan, work from home and vaccine passports for larger crowds is the new normal. Here is all you need to know about UK’s Plan B against COVID-19.
What is UK’s Plan B in the fight against coronavirus?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced newer restrictions for curbing the spread of the deadly virus. According to the new rules, vaccine passports are necessary “for entry into nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather”. “From Monday, you should work from home if you can, go to work if you must,” added Johnson. Additionally, the government has also reintroduced mask mandates for “most public indoor venues, including theaters and cinemas”.
Additionally, PM Johnson also urged people to take the vaccine. He explained that it is the “single biggest thing that every one of us can do is to get our jabs and crucially to get that booster as soon as our turn arrives”. According to Sajid Javid, the health secretary, the nation has 568 confirmed cases of the new variant. However, Javid also added that the real figure may be closer to 10,000. The reports, following PM Johnson’s alert that omicron “is more transmissible than Delta”. He also stressed and warned the public on the possibility of a huge rise in hospitalization rates.
Criticism against Johnson’s Plan B
“We must be humble in the face of this virus, the proportionate and the responsible thing to move to Plan B in England,” stated Johnson during the brief. He also elaborated that the variant is growing faster than the delta variant. “We can’t yet assume Omicron is less severe than previous variants,” he added.
The move comes at a time when leaked video footage is increasing controversy. PM Johnson is seen with his aides joking about a Christmas party at Downing Street amidst last year’s lockdown. He has been criticized by the media, politicians, and people for flouting government norms. Especially when he is not following them.
