WIDER MEASURES
Concerns have mounted about a new wave because of indications that two jabs are less effective against infection than three.
There were 1,239 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant recorded on Sunday, and scientists have said that numbers are doubling every two to three days.
Vaccination rates are high in Britain, with more than 81 per cent or 46.7 million of those aged 12 and older having had a second jab.
Some 23 million, or 40 per cent, have so far had a booster.
The new measures come after face masks were made compulsory in indoor public spaces last Friday, and new testing and self-isolation rules for contact cases began on Monday.
Workers were also told to stay at home, leading to a quieter than usual Monday morning rush hour.
Vaccine passports for certain crowded settings, including at football grounds, are due to be enforced from Wednesday.
The rules apply to England only. The devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which are responsible for health policy, have similar measures.
The race to vaccinate the nation will come at the cost of already delayed elective surgeries, like hip or knee operations, the government admitted.
Johnson’s intervention on Sunday sought to refocus attention on the pandemic, after a torrid week in which he and staff were accused of breaking COVID-19 rules last year.
Claims of illegal Christmas parties at Downing Street and across government departments have been seen as undermining public health messaging.
Johnson is also facing a large rebellion from within his Conservative Party at a vote in parliament to make the new rules law on Tuesday.
Many Tory members of parliament are unhappy that freedoms are being restricted again – and even cut further. The vote, though, is likely to pass with opposition Labour support.
For all the latest world News Click Here
