BORIS Johnson last night announced widespread mask wearing will be reintroduced as part of Plan B rules to battle the Omicron variant.
The PM said Brits will now have to don face coverings again in most indoor public spaces to help stop the spread of the virus.
His move marks the broadest reimposition of mask wearing since all restrictions were dropped on Freedom Day in July.
Ministers reintroduced mandatory face coverings in some areas, most notably public transport, on November 30.
But the PM has now extended that to much more settings amid concern over the rapid spread of Omicron.
From tomorrow Brits will have to wear masks in the following places:
- While on public transport including trains, buses, and the London Underground
- At transport hubs like train stations and airports
- All retail shops such as clothes stores and supermarkets
- Large entertainment venues like cinemas, theatres, and bowling alleys
- While in all places of worship
- At hairdressers, beauty parlours, tattoo studios, and nail bars
- When visiting the post office or bank
- In the offices of estate agents
- At vet surgeries
- Whilst waiting for orders at takeaway restaurants
- In pharmacies and medical settings like hospitals
- At auction houses
- Whilst taking a ride in a taxi
- During driving lessons and tests
Pupils, staff, and visitors at secondary schools are also “strongly advised” to wear masks in communal areas.
But they’re not required in the classroom, and are to be enforced at the discretion of individual headteachers.
Under-12s are exempt from the mask wearing requirement as are those who can’t wear them for medical reasons.
Ministers have not introduced mandatory face coverings for hospitality settings like bars and restaurants or for gyms.
The PM said that’s because it’s impractical for people to wear one whilst eating, drinking, and exercising.
Masks also won’t be compulsory for events where people are singing, such as choir practices.
The rules will be in place until at least January 5 when the effectiveness of Plan B will be reviewed.
Brits who refuse to cover up can be hit with on the spot fines by the police.
The rate is set at £200 for a first offence, which can be halved to £100 if paid within 14 days.
It then doubles with every new infringement, up to a maximum of £6,400 for repeat offenders.
