England reinstates mask mandates as Omicron enters the country

As the world continues to learn more about the new strain of COVID-19 – Britain has reinstated a mask mandate

England is taking new precautionary measures against the new Omicron strain of COVID-19 with the country reinstating its mask mandate on certain sectors.

Those in the UK will need to wear a mask once again when entering retail, public transport, banking and personal services such as hair salons – with those that resist to comply facing a fine.

The government says in other indoor settings where a face covering is not legally required, people should still continue to wear a face covering when in crowded and enclosed spaces and where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet.

Some people, including children under 11, are exempt from having to wear face coverings in any setting

The government has confirmed exemptions will still be considered – including for anyone with a health condition or disability, which means they cannot wear a face covering.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the mandate will be reviewed in the next three weeks.

Meanwhile all international travellers must take a PCR test by the end of the second day after they arrive, and self-isolate until they get their result.

That is in addition to restrictions on arrivals from 10 southern African countries, who have to enter hotel quarantine.

Britain has reported 11 cases of the Omicron variant so far, and while the government says this number will rise, it says it is important to slow its spread until more is known about the variant’s transmissibility and impact on current vaccines available.