Boris Johnson announces new restrictions as Omicron cases increase in England

To slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus type, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has implemented stricter COVID-19 restrictions in England, mandating individuals to work from home, wear masks in public places, and use vaccine passes.

Johnson, whose reputation has been tarnished by allegations that his staff partied in Downing Street during a Christmas lockdown last year, said on Wednesday that Omicron was spreading quickly.

Johnson stated he had no choice but to switch to "Plan B" while a vaccine booster programme is implemented.

While the latest measures are far from the full lockdowns imposed earlier in the pandemic, they have been described as a "hammer blow" for city centre restaurants, cafes, and stores anxious for Christmas business to repair their finances.

Many members of Johnson's own party are also furious over the new limits, fearing their impact after the economy dropped by an unprecedented 10% last year.

"While the situation may improve, and I genuinely hope it does," Johnson said at a press conference, "we know that the ruthless logic of exponential growth might lead to a significant increase in hospitalizations and, regrettably, deaths."

When news of "Plan B" measures became public on Wednesday, sterling sank substantially, and investors reduced their expectations on a Bank of England interest rate hike next week.

Johnson had promised to get through the winter without resorting to a fourth COVID-19 shutdown after lifting most COVID restrictions in England in July following a quick vaccine rollout, but he had a "Plan B" in store.

Some of these restrictions, such as restoring masks mandate on public transportation and in stores, had already been implemented, but Johnson stated on Wednesday that individuals should now work from home as well.

Face masks will be required in public places such as theatres and movies, and a COVID vaccine card will be required for entry to nightclubs and other large-group locations.

According to Johnson, the extra safeguards were necessary after 568 cases of Omicron were discovered across the country, with research indicating that infection doubling times might be as short as two to three days.

Officials assessed that the number of Omicron infections was almost 20 times higher than the number of verified cases, implying that the number of illnesses could be closer to 10,000, according to Health Secretary Sajid Javid.

Last year, during a Christmas COVID-19 lockdown, senior employees were seen laughing and joking about how to explain a gathering in Downing Street. Johnson has expressed regret.

After avoiding questions about last year's Christmas party, which was "offensive to the British public," Simmons said the public is wondering how Johnson can "truly be a moral authority, directing the public on what to do."