Officials are already working on a ‘Plan C, which would require the imposition even more restrictive restrictions to combat Omicron’s threat.
Many businesses are still reeling from this week’s Plan B announcements. However, it was revealed that additional rules may be implemented in the New Year for those who find the variant more hazardous than they thought.
They include the need to check in with NHS Covid to enter a restaurant or pub, wearing face masks indoors, as well as having to present a vaccination passport to access more places.
On Thursday, the first section of Government’s Plan B was implemented with mandatory face masks being introduced in indoor environments such as cinemas, theatres, and churches.
On Monday, new work-from home guidance will be in effect. The next day, MPs will vote on vaccine passports being introduced for large nightclubs.
Boris Johnson stated Wednesday that the ministers hope these measures will suffice to slow the Omicron variant’s spread while booster jabs continue to be rolled out.
But – as shops, pubs and restaurants warn of the millions they face losing at their busiest time of year under Plan B measures – officials are already working on a potential ‘Plan C’ package.
The top of the list: the reintroduction rules that require hospitality venues collect contact information of customers in order to assist NHS Test and Trace to track down people who have come into direct contact with Covid cases.
The return of mandatory ‘check ins’ would be possible through the NHS App or by giving phone numbers and emails to contacts in writing.
The threat of further restrictions is imminent amid anger at Johnson’s yesterday decision to implement Plan B measures, just as he attempted to deal with the Downing Street Christmas Party scandal.
Next week’s vote will see him face off with his backbenchers. They reacted furiously to the planned introduction of vaccine passports next week – and took aim at the ‘conflicting’ guidance on working from home and socialising.
A minimum of 50 Tories expressed concern publicly, while a senior Conservative stated that Johnson must ‘get a handle’.
MailOnline has been told by Ringleaders that this will be the largest mutiny to date, with 60 people expected to challenge the government whip.
Marcus Fysh, Backbencher for the Conservative Party said that Thursday’s latest curbs were an “utter disgrace”. Mark Harper, former chief whip has asked whether the government is morally authorized to place the limits after the Downing Street row.
Another setback occurred last night when the NHS Covid Pass website crashed.
Sajid Javid dismissed any hint that the PM might reconsider mandatory vaccination this morning, in a clear sign of cabinet tensions.
The Health Secretary said that he had refused to resume a round of scheduled broadcast interviews because of the explosive video showing No10 aides laughing about an alleged festive event last year.
According to a poll, 63% of voters believe that the PM should step down.
Labour also had a four-point lead in the Redfield & Wilton poll, the largest since the 2019 general election.
Westminster is experiencing another turbulent day:
- The PM faced questions over whether he misled an investigation into donations for refurbishments to his Downing Street flat after the Electoral Commission fined the Tories £17,800.
- An investigation into the alleged locking down-busting parties at No. 10 was expanded to cover another holiday celebration, and an alleged staff departure.
- Carrie Johnson, the wife of Mr Johnson gave birth yesterday to a healthy girl at a London Hospital.
- UK had 50,867 Covid-19 cases and another 148 deaths yesterday.
- Officials have already begun to work on new “Plan C” restrictions. These could require restaurant and pub patrons to “check in” with the NHS Covid App again.
- It emerged that more than £30million of taxpayers’ money has been spent to help civil servants to work from home during the pandemic.
- The number of A&E patients waiting more than 12 hours on a trolley for a hospital bed hit a record high.
To counter Omicron’s threat, officials are currently working on Plan C. This would allow for the imposition more severe restrictions. Above: Boris Johnson as Prime Minister during Prime Minister’s Questions Wednesday
With businesses still struggling from the effects of Plan B, the NHS Covid app announced that additional rules might be put in place for the New Year. If the variant is more serious than anticipated, this could include having to ‘check in’ again with the NHS Covid app before going to a pub or restaurant. To be able to visit a pub, restaurant or bar, you will need to “check in” with NHS Covid again. You can also use face masks indoors and show your vaccine passport to access even more places.
Today’s first piece of Government Plan B is in effect with the mandatory introduction of face masks indoors such as cinemas, theatres, and churches.
Johnson, on Wednesday, announced that the Government had changed its approach to coronavirus. This included an increase in mask wearing starting from Thursday, returning to home work Monday, and compulsory Covid passports at large venues starting Wednesday.
The Tory critics were furious at the move, fueled by the suspicion that these measures were meant to distract the Prime Minister from his troubles regarding an alleged Downing Street party hosted by staff members during last December’s lockdown.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brownn was a prominent member of 1922 Committee of backbench Conservative MPs and said that Johnson should ‘get grip’ to avoid losing support.
He warned the PM that if his ‘bad month’ – which also saw fury over Tory sleaze – continued in the New Year, ‘then I think there would be a serious change of mind of giving him the benefit of the doubt’.
Johnson could have to depend on the support of Opposition if his Plan B measures need to be approved by the Commons. This is because of the Tory rebellion. Labour said that it would support the regulations. Liberal Democrats, however, will not back vaccine passports but will allow workers to work from their homes.
According to a senior Tory source, ‘I believe we can get it through with Opposition support. But there will be so much bloodbath in our party once the dissatisfaction sets-in.
David Warburton, Tory MP, called Plan B “confused, contradictory and arbitrary” adding that: “This madness must end.” These new rules will not prevent colleagues from meeting in a pub for work. Officials suggest that an exemption to the face-covering rules could allow individuals to wear their masks when they go to shops or to sing at cinemas.
Tory Greg Smith stated: “Go to the pub but not to work. Wear a mask while shopping (unless you’re trying to sing )… Where will it end?)
Mansfield MP Ben Bradley described vaccine passports as ‘ineffective, discriminatory,’ and claimed he was unable to vote for restrictions ‘just a case’ in a period when death rates and hospitalisations have fallen.
Asked whether Tory rebels will be putting lives at risk, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: ‘The advice that we have received is without action – given the incredibly fast growth rate of this variant – the consequences, in terms of hospitalisations and deaths, could be severe.’
11.45am: Boris Johnson departed a London NHS hospital after Carrie had given birth to a baby girl. This was their second and seventh children. Boris Johnson’s wife Carrie arrived at 7.40am right before giving birth to their seventh child, a baby girl.
Boris Johnson made it clear that passengers will not be allowed to ride the Jubilee Tube Tube Tube in London this Thursday, after he announced increased restrictions.
As pictures of London station stations were remarkably quiet, it appeared that yesterday’s vote was already cast.
On Wednesday, at a Downing Street press event, the PM stated that everyone should work again from home, and also extended use of masks, and introduced Covid passports to nightclubs.
Sajid Javid dismissed Thursday’s hint by the PM of mandatory vaccination being looked into in the future. It was a sign that Cabinet tensions are evident.
Canada Water Tube stations were less busy following the Omicron strain announcements by the PM
Many Cabinet ministers including Kwasi Kwarteng and Jacob Rees Mogg feel that Plan B is not necessary at the moment.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith was the Tory’s former leader. He said that Cabinet is full of scaredy-cats who react to new curbs rather than panicking.
In a series of interviews, Mr. Javid was asked whether it would make sense for employees to go to social events but work at home.
It is possible to have a wide range of reactions.
“It could also be guidance. You could see Covid clearly in different settings. Face masks could be used in additional settings. But you must make a balance decision. The key is slowing the spread of this new variant. These measures can help.
According to He, BBC Radio 4’s Today broadcaster, “We keep them under consideration, but they will have an important impact on slowing the spread.”
Economic experts have criticised the restrictions ahead of the crucial pre-Christmas period, warning they could cost the economy £4billion a month and ‘easily’ knock two per cent off the size of the economy.
The hospitality industry said Plan B will kill off festive trade – a period when pubs, nightclubs and restaurants make a third of their annual profits. Some call for the return of furloughs and cash grants to restaurants, bars, cafés and cafes.
Clive Wilson (Chairman of The City Pub Company) stated that he expects the price of a pint of beer to go up by 40p due to rising energy prices and other pressures.
For restaurants and late-night economy, a third is earned in December. This has been described as a “body blow”, but it’s much more, he stated.
“I notice that the Chancellor isn’t providing any additional state assistance.
“The state assistance currently in place is inadequate. We need more state aid. Otherwise, many businesses will be short of money.
Video of the No10 staff practicing for their press conference which detonated the Christmas party row
Bombshell video: A No.10 aide questions Allegra Straton about Friday’s Downing Street Christmas party. Allegra laughs and responds, “I went home.” Downing Stree
Downing Street’s had hoped for the end of the row about the lockdown-busting Christmas celebration a decade ago.
However, the situation escalated when ITV News obtained footage from a mock conference.
This video shows Allegra Stratton, then his press secretary, being tested by the PM’s staff. She was planning to begin hosting briefings for journalists televised weeks later, but that plan was unfortunately scrapped.
Unfortunately, one of her questions during the December 22 session referenced the “party” four days before.
Ed Oldfield (PM’s special advisor): “I just saw reports from Twitter about a Downing Street Christmas party Friday night. Do you recognize those reports?”
Allegra Stratton:“I went home” (laughs )… keep on, hold onto, err
Ed Oldfield “Would Prime Minister approve of having a Christmas Party?”
Allegra Stratton:” (laughs) How do you know the right answer?”
Ed Oldfield ‘I don’t know!’
Unidentified Downing Street employee“It was not a party… It was wine and cheese.”
Allegra Stratton:Can cheese and wine be served in moderation? The meeting was business-related.
(Everyone laughs)
Downing Street employee: ‘No! “No!
Allegra Stratton:It is being recorded. The party in question was business-related… (laughs), and was not socially separated. One more, and we’ll… another. Do you have any questions for me?
Economic experts also criticised the move ahead of the crucial pre-Christmas period, warning they could cost the economy £4 billion a month and ‘easily’ knock 2 per cent off the size of the economy.
Lord Sugar posted that the Prime Minister should be removed and said: “Plan B. Boris, is mentally.” You can work remotely, but you will be allowed to attend nightclubs or football matches as long as you have double wax. You must get out. If I’m wrong, I don’t know of anyone who was forced to die from this strain. The collapse of small BIZs is imminent.
On Thursday, London’s traffic congestion was at its worst for morning rush hour. TomTom data showed a figure 68% between 8am and 9.
The percentage was 75% yesterday, 79% on Tuesday, and 69% on Monday during the same period. This was also lower than the 73% recorded on Thursday last week.
TomTom data showed that Thursday had the lowest congestion in midweek since November began.
The last time it was at this low level was Thursday, November 4, when the figure of 68% was recorded.
It is vital to analyze the midweek days because workers in recent months have worked from home on Mondays or Fridays while going into work from Tuesdays through Thursdays.
Congestion is the average travel time that drivers will spend in congestion compared with baseline, uncongested conditions. For example, a 68% level would mean that a trip of 30 minutes takes 20 more minutes than if there was no traffic.
Harper, speaking in the Commons last night said that evidence about Omicron spreading, which still has not been used to hospitalize anyone in the UK, “doesn’t support the implementation of these measures.”
According to him, MPs have suffered from a decline in credibility over the past few weeks, regardless of whether the Government is on Paterson or the Christmas parties.
“Why should someone at home listening to the Prime Minster and the Health Secretary do things that people in No10 cannot do?”
Philip Davies from the Tory Party criticized Mr Javid’s ‘latest’ in a series of unnecessary and arbitrary socialist measures. He suggested that Mr Javid had “gone native”.
Just hours before the PM apologized for a video, Allegra Stratton’s former press secretary and other No10 aides appeared to joke and laugh about the Christmas party at a mock press conference.
This video angered the relatives of Covid victims, who claimed that they were unable to see their dying loved ones because lockdown rules had been put in place during No10’s partying.
Yesterday Mr Johnson repeated the claim that no rules were broken.
Prof. Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance (the chief scientist) seemed to mock No 10. They stood next to Mr Johnson last evening, asking people to observe the restrictions.
Sir Patrick stated: “The rules have been carefully considered… they are there for everyone to follow.”
Professor Whitty said, “We all know people get angry at injustice, even colleagues, friends and family.”
Yesterday’s stormy Prime Minister’s Questions session saw Mr Johnson issue a rare apology. He said he was furious to have seen the video of the No 10 aides “seemingly to make light” of the lockdown measures.
He said: “I am deeply sorry for any offence it may have caused in the country and for the misleading impression it gave. “But, I want to reiterate that since the allegations were made I was repeatedly told that no party existed and no Covid rules had been broken. That is exactly what I was repeatedly assured.”
No. 10 stated that it was “categorically false” to claim the Plan B move had been made to distract attention from the terrible coverage about alleged rule-breaking done by PM’s staff.
Johnson maintained that he was forced to make a decision because of emerging evidence regarding the viral spread: “You have to act now to safeguard public health once you have the clear evidence.” It is best to move on to Plan B if we want to have Christmas that’s as normal as possible. It’s not an emergency lockdown.
The best way to prevent a massive outbreak of the virus in the next month is to adhere to the updated rules and have booster shots.
According to a Whitehall source, Plan B’s introduction was meant to reduce the spread of the variant and shift next month’s peak to February or March. By then many more will have received their booster jabs.
Labour leader Sir Keir Sternmer stated that the Prime Minister’s apology “raises more questions then answers” because he was ‘caught red handed’.
He stated that he believed the Prime Minister had taken them for fools.
Wes Streeting is Labour’s spokesperson for health, and he said that Labour supports the restrictions because they are ‘in national interest’. This means they almost certain to be approved by the Commons.
Johnson, however, will likely face opposition from the Tory Party when they vote on these measures next Tuesday. Members of the party have also threatened to quit.
Scots are Hogma-NAY! Public Health Scotland advises Scots to cancel Christmas and New Year celebrations due to rising Omicron case numbers – even though Boris told the English that they can continue with planned festivities
Jamie Phillips at MailOnline
Public Health Scotland has told people they should delay Christmas parties and Hogmanay celebrations due to fears over the rising number of Omicron cases in the country.
Between November 1st and December 8th, 108 cases were confirmed to have been caused by the mutation Covid strain. Official statistics show that nearly half the positive test results in Scotland are between 20 and 39 years old.
Dr Nick Phin, the director of public health science and medical director at Public Health Scotland, has now urged families to put off any planned Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations to help in the battle against the raging variant.
He stated that he was trying to reduce the spread of Omicron and Covid-19.
Due to increasing cases last year, the celebrations had to be cancelled.
The latest figures from the Scottish Government show that there have been 16 deaths due to coronavirus and 3196 cases in 24 hours.
This brought Scotland’s Covid death total to 9,688.
Between November 1st and December 8, 108 instances of this mutant Covid strain have been reported in Scotland.
Christmas revellers have been urged to delay festive parties as part of a bid to tackle the rapid spread of the Omicron Covid variant
In 2019, thousands participated in the annual torchlight parade along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile toward Holyrood Park to mark Scotland’s Hogmanay celebrations.
People are being asked by the Scottish government to cancel winter plans while Omicron Covid variant cases keep rising.
Dr Phin appealed to Scotland residents by saying: ‘There is still much to learn about Omicron. But early evidence suggests this new Covid variation is far more transmissible.
“The effects of Omicron transmissibility have been observed in the last weeks with several Omicron outbreaks associated to parties.
“We need to know more about Omicron’s severity and effectiveness, but we have important steps that can be taken now to protect our family and ourselves.
“I understand that people want to celebrate the festive season after the recent pressures. But, by postponing plans, we can all help ourselves and those closest to us.
It has been recommended that people test their lateral flow device at least two times per week, and to do so whenever they meet people from outside the household.
The advisory also recommended that people follow public health guidelines such as handwashing, wearing masks and receiving booster shots in addition to vaccinating.
The latest data, published on Thursday, shows a total of 4,358,725 people have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination in Scotland, while 3,967,477 are double jabbed and 2,000,915 have received a third dose or booster.
Since October in Scotland, vaccination passports are required for anyone who attends nightclubs or indoor events (unseated), with more than 500 people or outdoor events (unseated), with more than 4,000 people. Anyone attending events with more then 10,000 people must show proof that they have been double-vaccinated.
A negative PCR or negative lateral flow test, taken within 24 hours from entry to a venue has been included in the pass. Scotland’s Covid passes can be called the NHS Scotland CoVID Status app.
Nicola Sturgeon is Scotland’s First minister and she attends First Minsters Questions (FMQs) at The Scottish Parliament on Thursday
After tightening rules in the UK over the Omicron variant spread, a courier marches towards Edinburgh Airport’s testing station Monday.
Last year, the celebrations were cancelled by rising cases. Pictured: Princes Street in Edinburgh late on December 31, 2020
The total number of reported confirmed and possible cases is now 389, with 108 confirmed cases between November 1st-8th.
This figure includes 48% who were between the ages of 20 and 39.
Public Health Scotland claims that there were early signs of an increase in cases detected at events, which are more likely to attract young people.
Six Omicron Scotland cases are included in the package. They will be performing at Glasgow’s Hydro concert on November 22.
Nicola Sturgeon demanded businesses keep their employees away from the office on Tuesday.
Despite fears of a mutant strain of the virus sweeping the country in a matter of weeks, First Minister insists that no restrictions on the north border of the country will be relaxed before Christmas.
SNP leader: ‘I know it is hard, but I cannot emphasize enough how important we believe this could make to help stem transmission and prevent the need for more costly measures.
Ms. Sturgeon addressed employers directly, adding: “If you had employees working from home at the start of this pandemic then please allow them to continue to do so.”
Scots should also follow the rules regarding self-isolation and testing for symptoms. She encouraged regular lateral flow testing.