Plan B Restrictions to End in England

As rates of Omicron start to drop, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the end of Plan B restrictions in England. The Prime Minister told MPs that scientists believed the omicron variant had peaked nationally and that the government is looking to reintroduce plan A.  

The New Restrictions

From 27 January the government will look to end all current plan B coronavirus restrictions in England, starting with the immediate end of advice for people to work from home. Health Secretary, Sajid Javid said that this should not be seen as the finish line, as the virus and future variants cannot be eradicated. He continued on to say “we must learn to live with Covid in the same way we live with the flu”

Sajid Javid urged people to continue to take the steps needed to keep the virus at bay, hand washing, ventilation and self-isolation if positive. The health secretary emphasized the importance of those currently unvaccinated coming forward and getting their jabs.

The Prime Minister laid out a number of changes that will help the country move away from the current Plan B restrictions. These changes are as follows:

• People are no longer advised to work from home and should begin discussions with their employers for a return to the office.
• Face masks will no longer be mandatory, however the government has advised the use of face masks when in enclosed or crowded spaces, and when meeting strangers.  
• Mandatory Covid passports for entering nightclubs and large events will end, however, businesses can still choose to use the NHS Covid pass if they wish.
• From 20 January , Pupils in secondary school will no longer be required to wear face masks in classrooms and government

The Prime Minister also announced that the easing of restrictions on care home visitation and travel in England is expected in the near future.

Why are Plan B Restrictions Ending?

Citing the latest infection rates from the office of national statistics, Boris Johnson said that data is showing that the infection levels are falling in England and hospital admissions had stabilised.

The prime minister acknowledged the significant pressure on the NHS in the North-West and North-East of England and said that cases are expected to continue rising in primary schools, but stated the government will set out its long-term plan for dealing with Covid soon.

How can oneHR help you?

With the sudden ending of work from home advice in England, it is essential that employers complete a risk assessment to ensure the safety of their staff as they return to the workplace. In addition, it is important to ensure your business implements the correct procedures to ensure your employees are safe from the spread of covid-19.

When you join oneHR software, you and your business have the ability to track, record and process vital health and safety information, such as workplace Risk Assessments, Covid safety policies and even vaccination status of employees. This can help you create a smooth transition when moving from remote work to back in the office over the coming days and weeks.

If you would like to learn more about how oneHR can help you transition after the recent announcement from the government, contact our team and request a free demo of the software.

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