As part of his campaign to combat the Omicron version of coronavirus, Prime Minister today announced that all public transport will now require face-masking.
Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary, announced on Twitter just minutes after the mandate was given that face covers would be mandatory on public transport and in other indoor environments. He also reiterated Johnson’s anti-travel crackdown.
He said that the details of the “tightened” rules would be revealed in the coming days.
However, he did not mention the hospitality trade which would be devastated by new rules in the run-up to the Christmas period.
Tweeted Mr Shapps: “People will now also be required to use a face cover on public transport as well as in other indoor environments.”
“These are targeted actions to protect and provide protection. We will be reviewing these measures every three weeks to verify that they are effective.”
He said that any fully vaccinated immigrants to the UK would be asked to segregate their bodies until they have taken PCR tests.
He stated that Omicron variants were first discovered in the UK and that additional precautions have been taken to ensure public safety.
‘All full-vaccinated visitors to the UK must self-isolate upon arrival, perform a PCR test within 24 hours or earlier and then continue self-isolating until receiving a negative result.
“Those who have tested positive must remain isolated for a period of 10 days. For unvaccinated passengers, there will be no changes. A face mask will be mandatory for all passengers on public transport as well as indoors.
“These are targeted actions to protect and provide protection. We will be reviewing these measures every three weeks to verify that they are effective.”
Following the announcement, Transport Salaried Staffs Association demanded the mandatory introduction of facial coverings in public transportation systems immediately to protect against Omicron variant.
Manuel Cortes, General Secretary of UNICEF stated that it was vital to take immediate preventative measures to stop the spread and expansion of Omicron variants.
“The government has introduced travel restrictions in several countries, but it needs to do more. The government should quickly take additional measures to stop this strain from spreading.
“It would be a good idea to make all public transportation vehicles mandatory to use facemasks.
“Ministers should know that this will protect the traveling public and those courageous transport workers who have stood at the front lines during the ongoing pandemic.”
Boris Johnson stated that the rules for face covers will soon be established.
At the Downing Street press conference, he stated: “On face coverings we are looking at retail and transport. Just going back to a situation where you must wear them in retail settings, or on public transportation.
“But, the Health Secretary Sajid Javid will set out more over the next day.”
Stay tuned for more