England said COVID cases – strain “Omicron” may double every 2.5-3 days.
England is tightening quarantine restrictions amid the rapid spread of the new COVID-19 Omicron strain.
Appropriate statement on Wednesday , 8 December, voiced by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, according to the BBC.
According to the British Prime Minister, the government is moving to a contingency plan for additional measures aimed at combating the coronavirus pandemic. “This is not a lockdown, this is plan B,” Johnson emphasized.
He noted that from Friday, the wearing of masks will be required in most public institutions, in particular in theaters and cinemas, and from Monday people will be encouraged to work from home, if possible.
In addition, from next Wednesday, the presence of the so-called “NHS Covid Pass” (a document containing information on vaccination or testing of COVID-19) will become a must for visiting nightclubs, non-seating areas with more than 500 people, street events with more than 4 thousand people and any events with more than 10 thousand people.
The head of the British government stressed that Christmas parties and other festive events should continue, however, in accordance with the relevant instructions. “The best way to ensure we all have a Christmas as close to normal as possible is to continue with Plan B,” he said.
Johnson noted that a new version of Omicron is still under study and. ” the picture may improve, “but the spread of the strain could still lead to a significant increase in hospitalizations and deaths.
He explained that Omicron spreads” much faster “than Delta, and primary data show that that the number of infections with this COVID strain could double every 2.5-3 days.
Meanwhile, the people of Wales and Scotland have already been encouraged to work from home. From employees of enterprises from these countries, as well as from Northern Ireland, require so-called vaccination passports.
