As the number of cases of the Omicron Covid variant continues to rise, the government has made the decision to put Plan B into action across England.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has warned that cases of Omicron could top one million by the end of the month leading to the decision to launch Plan B.
Plan B restrictions will start rolling out from Friday, December 10, with face masks becoming mandatory in cinemas and theatres, while everyone is being encouraged to work from home if they can from Monday, December 13.
The new restrictions also include the return of vaccine passports for certain venues and the use of face masks in most indoor venues.
But how will Plan B rules affect pubs and nightclubs as Christmas approaches?
Plan B: Have pub rules changed?
Under the government’s new Plan B rules, masks are now required in most ‘public indoor venues’ in England.
However, there are some exceptions, as the guidelines say that face masks are not mandatory in venues where people visit to ‘eat, drink or exercise’.
That means you do not need to wear face masks at a pub or a restaurant.
It is not clear whether you have to wear a mask when moving around a pub – such as popping to the toilet – but you may be advised to wear one when not seated.
You also do not need to show a vaccine passport when visiting a pub or restaurant.
What are the new nightclub rules under Plan B?
It is a different story when it comes to nightclubs, as vaccine passports will become an entry requirement from December 15.
Under Plan B rules, people will need an NHS Covid Pass to show their vaccination status or proof of a negative lateral flow test to gain entry into the following spaces:
- Nightclubs
- Indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people
- Unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people
- Any venue with more than 10,000 people
A single vaccination won’t be enough to gain entry – only two doses of the Covid vaccine will suffice.
The government is also encouraging people to take a lateral flow test ahead of visiting any ‘high-risk setting’ where you might come into contact with ‘people you wouldn’t normally come into contact with, or when visiting a vulnerable person’.
It is not clear whether you must wear a face mask in a nightclub, but similar to the rules for pubs and restaurants, you do not if eating or drinking.
Government guidelines do say that you need to wear face masks in community centres, youth centres, members clubs and social clubs, as well as attractions and entertainment venues such as museums, theatres, bingo halls and bowling alleys.
While nightclubs are not explicitly mentioned in the guidelines, they could well follow these same rules.
You can contact the venue you’re planning on visiting ahead of time to confirm their guidelines.
When will the new measures be brought in?
The Plan B measures are coming into force on the following dates:
- December 10: Face masks will become mandatory in most indoor spaces such as places of worship, cinemas, theatre, public transport, hairdressers and shops.
- December 13: People must work from home if they can.
- December 15: Vaccine passports will be required at nightclubs and other large venues.
The Plan B restrictions are set to be reviewed on January 5, 2022.
MORE : Plan B restrictions won’t stop soaring Covid cases, experts warn
MORE : Did the Government have up to 7 Christmas parties while urging people to follow the rules?
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