UK Introduces 'Plan B' Amid Omicron Surge... Full Resumption of Quarantine Measures

Strengthening Quarantine Measures Amid Expanding Omicron Variant Infections
Revival of Mask Wearing, Vaccine Pass, and Work-from-Home Recommendations

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The UK government announced that it will introduce 'Plan B,' reinstating COVID-19 restrictions less than five months after the so-called 'Freedom Day' in July, when all restrictions were lifted amid the worsening spread of the Omicron variant. With the return of remote work, vaccine passports, and mandatory mask-wearing, public distrust and resistance toward health authorities are expected to intensify.

On the 8th (local time), UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated at a press conference, "It is clear that the Omicron variant is more transmissible than the Delta variant, and the number of infections in the UK is likely much higher than confirmed cases," adding, "We are concerned that Omicron infections could double every 2 to 3 days, which is why we have decided to implement Plan B."

Plan B refers to the strengthened COVID-19 measures introduced by the UK government last September in preparation for worsening conditions, including mandatory mask-wearing, recommendations for remote work, and the introduction of vaccine passports. Although the government had maintained that Plan B was unnecessary since the full lifting of lockdown measures on July 19, the recent surge in Omicron cases and COVID-19 spread has led to its eventual adoption.

Prime Minister Johnson emphasized, "It is clear that the Omicron variant is more transmissible than the Delta variant, and the number of infections in the UK is likely much higher than the currently confirmed figures," adding, "The most concerning aspect is that Omicron infections appear to be doubling every 2 to 3 days." He continued, "It is important to get booster shots as soon as it is your turn. Although 21 million booster shots have already been administered, we need to increase the pace and coverage."

The UK health authorities reported 568 confirmed Omicron cases in the UK, an increase of 131 from the previous day. Health Secretary Sajid Javid warned in a parliamentary speech that "the actual number of Omicron infections could be around 10,000" and "it is expected to become the dominant strain in the UK within a month." On the same day, the UK recorded 51,342 new COVID-19 cases and 161 deaths.

The UK government also stated in a press release that "Prime Minister Johnson has formally approved the introduction of Plan B, which includes recommendations for remote work and the reapplication of vaccine passports at large venues," adding, "Vaccine passports require proof of two vaccine doses or a negative rapid test result and will be implemented at nightclubs and large venues. For indoor events without assigned seating, vaccine passports will apply to gatherings of 500 or more; for outdoor events with seating, 4,000 or more; and for any other events, 10,000 or more attendees."

The mask mandate will also be reinstated starting on the 10th, extending to cinemas and theaters. Exceptions will be made for eating and exercising. To avoid issues caused by a surge in self-isolation cases, contacts of confirmed cases will be required to undergo daily testing instead of self-isolating. The UK government stated that these measures will remain in place at least until early January next year.

Travel restrictions have also been tightened again. Following the emergence of the Omicron variant, entry from South Africa and other countries has been restricted, and pre-departure COVID-19 testing and post-arrival self-isolation have been reinstated. Essentially, most of the previous COVID-19 measures have been resumed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.