Release date: January 19, 2022
Photo: BBC
The Prime Minister addressed Parliament today to outline changes to the coronavirus restrictions
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced today that the coronavirus restrictions known as Plan B will end on January 27. This means people no longer have to wear face coverings, although the government encourages the use of face coverings in closed or crowded places, especially where you will come into contact with people you don’t normally encounter.
Boris Johnson spoke about coronavirus restrictions in the House of Commons this afternoon (19 January). He said the change in restrictions was decided by the cabinet because “scientists think it’s likely that the omicron wave has now peaked nationwide.”
Despite warnings from the head of the World Health Organization that the global pandemic was “far from over” and the UK recorded 94,432 new cases on Tuesday, Johnson has announced a return to Plan A restrictions.
He confirmed that the work-from-home consultation would end today (Wednesday 19 January) and that employers should be talking to their bosses about returning to the office.
Johnson also said that starting tomorrow, students will no longer be forced to wear masks in classrooms, while next week mandatory mask-wearing, mandatory Covid passports and the easing of care home restrictions will come to an end for everyone.
The Prime Minister said: “The latest ONS data from today clearly shows that infection numbers are falling in England.
“And while there are some places where cases are likely to continue to rise, including in elementary schools, our scientists think it’s likely that the omicron wave has now peaked nationwide.”
“There remains, of course, significant pressure on the NHS across the country and particularly in the North East and North West.
“But hospital admissions, which were doubling every nine days two weeks ago, have now stabilised, with London admissions actually declining.
“This morning Cabinet concluded that because of the exceptional ramp-up campaign and the way the public has reacted to Plan B measures, we can return to Plan A in England and allow Plan B rules to be phased out. “
People who have tested positive for Covid are still required to self-isolate under Plan A rules, but the Prime Minister suggested there will “soon come a time” when this is no longer required.
He said: “As Covid becomes endemic we need to replace legal requirements with advice and guidance urging people with the virus to be careful and considerate of others.
“The self-isolation regulations expire on March 24, at which point I am very confident that they will not be extended.”
