New mask mandates and other measures aimed at curbing the spread of the Omicron variant come into force in England, as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson eyes an expanded booster programme to help increase protection against Covid-19.
From this morning, face masks are compulsory on transport and in shops, banks and hair salons. 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 ten southern African countries, who have to enter hotel quarantine. Britain has reported 11 cases of the Omicron variant so far, and while the government said this number will rise, it said it is important to slow its