OMICRON: How are Covid Rules and Booster Jabs Changing?

What are the new measures?

• Face coverings are once again compulsory in places like shops and on public transport in England.
• Pupils at secondary schools in England are being “strongly advised” to wear face coverings in communal areas. The guidance also applies to staff and visitors at all schools and childcare settings.
• Secondary school pupils in Wales are being urged to wear face masks in classrooms and communal areas. Staff and students in colleges and universities should also wear face coverings inside.
• All contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be contacted by their local contact tracing system and required to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of their age or vaccination status.
• Anyone entering the UK requires a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival and must self-isolate until they have a negative result.

What’s happening with boosters?

The booster campaign is being stepped up:

• Booster jabs will be offered to all over-18s
• The gap between second dose and booster will be reduced to three months from six
• People with weakened immune systems will be offered a fourth dose – as a booster – no sooner than three months after their third
• Children aged 12 to 15 will be invited for a second dose, three months after their first

Vulnerable people will be contacted first, followed by older age groups, then younger ones.

People are being urged not to try to book their booster until the NHS says it’s their turn.

Every eligible person in England and Scotland should be able to book their booster by the end of January – although some may be given at a later date.

In England, jabs will be rolled out at 1,500 community pharmacy sites and extra hospital hubs.

More information here.