All travellers returning to the UK must take a PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
Anybody who is a contact of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their age or vaccination status.
Meanwhile, face masks are once again compulsory in certain settings in England including supermarkets and public transport.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said he hopes the tougher rules will be “temporary” as scientists work to find out more about the new variant.
However, despite customers being expected to wear face masks in supermarkets, different retailers are taking different approaches to enforcing the new rule.
Confirmed Omicron variant Covid cases in the UK
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: “We are helping retailers to prepare for the change in face covering rules, but they are extremely concerned about abuse against their staff from customers who don’t want to wear a face covering in a shop.
“We will continue to urge stores to communicate the rules, but not to challenge those who refuse to abide by the rules.”
Here is what each supermarket has said about face masks so far.
Iceland face mask rules
Iceland has said it will not force shoppers to wear face masks. (PA)
Iceland has said it will not force shoppers to wear face masks amid concerns over the treatment of staff.
Managing director of Iceland, Richard Walker, told the Daily Mail: “We fully support the reintroduction of compulsory face masks in shops, however, we won’t be asking our store colleagues to police it.
“Our store teams, alongside all retail workers, have shown heroic efforts in terms of ensuring safety for customers and building back consumer confidence and it’s crucial that we stay focused on the long-term recovery of the high street.
“We need to continue to encourage people to shop in stores if they feel comfortable, and I’m hopeful that the latest guidelines…
Source : times
