Last updated on the 2nd December, following the announcements yesterday the GOV.UK now states:
“Move to Plan B: changes to restrictions
The government has announced that England will move to Plan B in response to the risks of the Omicron variant. This means:
- from Friday 10th December, face coverings will be required by law in some public indoor settings, such as theatres and cinemas (but not in hospitality settings)
- from Monday 13th December, office workers who can work from home should do so
- from 6am on Wednesday 15th December, certain businesses and events will be required by law to check the COVID status of workers and customers using the NHS COVID Pass
This guidance will be updated shortly to include more information on these changes.”
The changes to self-isolation requirements, updated last week, were in response to the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. These now identify that:
“If NHS Test and Trace notify someone that they are a close contact of a person with a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant, they will be required to self-isolate regardless of their age or vaccination status. NHS Test and Trace will contact them if this is the case.”
With international travel also affected, the run-up to Christmas will not only see more people staying and working at home but need workplace and FM professionals once again updating their procedures to cover COVID-19 and reflect any reduction in utilisation of their offices.
We have a wealth of experience in successfully assisting customers with their COVID-19 controls and workplace management throughout the pandemic, so if you would like any help/support in reviewing yours, please contact us.