England’s to end mandatory face coverings in public places & Covid passes

Boris Johnson has announced that England’s Plan B measures are to end, with mandatory face coverings in public places and Covid passes both dropped.

Currently, face masks are required in cinemas and theatres, and people need to show proof they’re fully vaccinated or provide a negative test when visiting clubs, indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people and any event with more than 10,000 people.

From today, work from home measures have been scrapped and face coverings will no longer need to be worn in classrooms in England. The requirement to wear face masks on public transport and in shops will end next Thursday.

Prime Minister Johnson also confirmed the intention to end self-isolation rules for people who catch coronavirus in the coming weeks. The legal requirement would lapse when regulations expire on 24 March, he said, but said the date could be brought forward.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said that “we must learn to live with Covid in the same way we live with flu”.

Venues will still be able to use the NHS Covid pass if owners and promoters wished, and wearing face masks is still advised in crowded spaces and when meeting strangers.

Boris Johnson said it was time to "trust the judgement" of the public on the use of masks in enclosed and crowded places after he said Omicron cases were falling and the wave had likely peaked nationally.

Many public health experts have warned against scrapping the use of face masks, given the influx in chronic illness and disability as a result of Long Covid - with cardiac and respiratory symptoms especially worrying.

The government is ending its Covid-19 Plan B measures in England & face masks will no longer be mandatory, My advice as a doctor & public health specialist is that people should continue to wear face masks (ideally a FFP2 mask) when in indoor spaces outside their home.

— Professor Azeem Majeed (@Azeem_Majeed) January 19, 2022

Meanwhile, in Ireland, it is hoped that restrictions will ease from early next week - including the 8pm curfew for hospitality and nightlife venues.

Government will look at NPHET's advice from today's meeting before making any decision on easing restrictions.

Image credit: Neil Hood