Sadiq Khan stated that customers riding on buses and the Tube will have to continue wearing masks, despite the fact the Prime Minister having ended the ban.

Boris Johnson appeared to have a dispute with the London Mayor over lifting the restrictions on PPE.

After claiming that the Omicron wave had topped nationally, the Prime Minister said England would be returning to Plan A.

But Mr Khan said this afternoon: ‘The easing of Covid-19 restrictions in London and across our country is great news for our city’s economic recovery. London is our economy’s heartbeat and many companies were worried about their financial future due to insufficient government support.

“It was possible because of the incredible efforts made by everyone in the city, especially our NHS staff who worked tirelessly to provide the vital Covid-19 vaccine. Our city has made significant progress since everyone who donned a mask and took the lateral flow test, or followed instructions to work remotely, helped.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan says masks should stay on transport in the city despite rule lift

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London says that masks must remain on public transport throughout London, despite the lifting of rules

Tube passengers earlier this week were all wearing masks to obey the then PPE rules

To comply with the PPE rules, Tube commuters wore masks earlier this week

“But this isn’t the end of the fight against the virus. Covid-19 remains a serious threat to our lives, livelihoods and loved ones. The best and most simple thing we can do to stop the spread of Covid-19 is to cover our faces.

“This makes sure that rules are clearly and consistently followed and, crucially, it allows enforcement to continue on the transport network. The compliance rate with the laws is much higher than that without.

The pandemic taught us one important lesson: We must never lose sight of the hard work we’ve put in. TfL will continue to require that face covers be worn when passengers travel on their services.

“I ask everyone to protect themselves and keep others safe when they travel on TfL.

Latest Covid deaths and infections figures are down today week on week, stats have shown

Statistics show that Covid-related deaths and infections are declining week by week.

Going shopping poses a bigger risk of catching Covid than theatres, sporting events or public transport, a new study by University College London suggests

Going shopping poses a bigger risk of catching Covid than theatres, sporting events or public transport, a new study by University College London suggests

There was no good evidence of any increased risk for people who attended theatres, cinemas, concerts or sports events. Pictured: A masked audience at the Pavilion theatre in Weymouth

It was not clear that people who went to theatres, movies, concerts, or other sporting events were at greater risk. Pictured: A masked audience at the Pavilion theatre in Weymouth

The study, which followed 10,849 people between September and November last year, found shopping could more than double your chance of catching the virus

According to the study that tracked 10,849 individuals between September and November 2013, shopping increased your chances of contracting the disease by more than doubling.

TfL Facemask Compliance 

Legislative updates

Customer Survey Info: Customer Pulse survey – 12 December 21 to 08 January 22

The number of individuals claiming that they wear a mask on all journeys has grown to 86%, up from 77% between 14 November and 11 December 21.

Observations by other passengers in face-coverings have increased to 48% on LU (up from 23% between 14 November and 11 December 21), and 42% for buses (up from 22% between 15 Nov and 11 Nov 21).

Carrying a mask to work was not a condition for compliance.

Customer Survey Info: Customer Pulse survey – 19 September to 16 October 2021

According to a survey, 78% of people claim to have a cover on their faces for every trip. This is an increase from 77% in the period 22 August through 18 September.

Observations by other passengers in face-coverings have declined to 27% on LU and 25% on buses (Down 31% from 22 August to 17 September).

“It is vital that Londoners continue testing and reporting results on a regular basis to protect our communities from infections. Everyone who has not received Covid-19 should get it. It is never too late. 

Johnson under-fire stated that data indicated that coronavirus is in retreat.

Following a claim by scientists, he said England would return to Plan A.

He stated to the House of Commons that although infection rates are declining in England, the ONS data today show that there are still areas where they are expected to rise, such as primary schools. However, scientists think that Omicron has likely peaked at the national level.

“There are still significant pressures on NHS in our country and in particular in North East and North West. However, hospital admissions that were doubled every nine days two weeks ago now have stabilised. London admissions even dropped. The number of patients admitted to intensive care is not only low, but also decreasing.

Johnson said: “So this morning, Cabinet decided that due to the extraordinary booster campaign and the response of the public to Plan B measures we could return to Plan A England and let Plan B regulations expire.

“As such, mandatory certification will cease at the beginning of next Thursday. Although organisations can choose not to be certified by the NHS Covid Pass, we are ending the requirement for them to do so in England.

The news comes just weeks after a new study suggested going shopping posed a bigger risk of catching Covid than theatres, sporting events or public transport.

Research by University College London (UCL) found there was little evidence that these activities were more likely to cause infection.

According to the study that followed 10,849 individuals between September and November 2013, shopping increased your chances of contracting the disease by more than doubling.

The other activities most likely to raise the risk of infection outside the home were playing in a team sport outdoors (36 per cent), going to the gym (27 per cent) and going to an indoor pub, club or bar (28 per cent).

Using public transport more than once a week increased the risk by 28 per cent – with buses the most dangerous, increasing the risk by 31 per cent.

At 19%, taxis were next followed by 18% overground train.

Underground trains, however, were not found to be any safer.