BBC News 13 December 2021
New Covid measures are being introduced across the UK, because of the threat posed by the Omicron variant.
Work-from-home guidance has returned in England, while Scotland has toughened self-isolation and Wales is moving to weekly reviews.
Some venues and events will be legally required to check the Covid status of visitors over 18 from Wednesday, if approved by MPs.
Proof of being fully vaccinated (currently two doses), proof of a negative test in the last 48 hours, or an exemption will be needed.
This can be done with an NHS Covid Pass, or an alternative way of showing a negative test, like a text or an email from the NHS.
People will need to demonstrate their Covid status to gain entry to:
- nightclubs
- indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people
- unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people
- any venue with more than 10,000 people
Face coverings are compulsory in most indoor public venues, including theatres and cinemas - as well as on public transport and in places like shops and hairdressers. Masks won't be needed in pubs or restaurants, or venues like gyms where it's "not practical".
People should work from home"if they can".
Lateral flow tests should be used before people enter "a high-risk setting", such as a crowded place, the government says.
On Tuesday, daily lateral flow testing for seven days is introduced for fully-vaccinated people who are contacts of all positive Covid cases. This replaces self-isolation for contacts of Omicron cases.
Other rules include:
- Pupils at secondary schools are "strongly advised" to wear face coverings in communal areas; as should staff and visitors at all schools and childcare settings
- 1m-plus social distancing remains in places including hospitals and passport control
- Anyone with Covid symptoms, or who tests positive, must self-isolate
- Self-isolation for people who test positive or develop symptoms - or for unvaccinated people who are a contact of a Covid case
What are latest changes in Scotland?
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced changes to deal with the Omicron variant:
- People should isolate for 10 days - regardless of vaccination status or a negative test - if anyone in their household tests positive for Covid
- If you've been in close contact with someone NOT in your household who's tested positive, you should isolate and take a PCR test. If it's negative, and you are double-vaccinated, you can leave isolation
- People should think about postponing Christmas parties
Other measures already in place include:
- 2m (6ft) physical distancing rules remain in healthcare settings such as hospitals, GP surgeries and dentists
- face coverings still compulsory on public transport and inside places like shops
- all school staff and secondary pupils to wear face coverings indoors
- indoor hospitality venues must collect customer contact details
- work from home where possible until at least the middle of January
- all over-18s required to prove their vaccine status or show a negative test at nightclubs and other venues
- people are urged to take LFTs before mixing with other households
What are the latest Covid rules in Wales?
The Welsh government has said Covid rules will now be reviewed every week.
People are being urged to take lateral flow tests before going out - for example, shopping, or visiting others.
They are also now being asked to wear masks in pubs and restaurants when not eating or drinking.
Existing restrictions include:
- NHS Covid Pass needed for entry to nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert halls and many other indoor and outdoor events
- working from home wherever possible
- compulsory face coverings in schools, on public transport, and in shops and hospitals
What are the Covid rules in Northern Ireland?
Restrictions include:
- a limit of 30 people from different households mixing in homes
- face coverings compulsory in shops, indoor seated venues and visitor attractions, public transport and some other settings
- post-primary pupils must wear a face covering inside school buildings, as well as on school transport. Staff are encouraged to wear masks in school areas where they can't socially distance
- Covid passport scheme for venues including nightclubs, bars and cinemas
- work from home wherever possible
What are the UK's travel rules?
Anyone travelling to the UK has to take a PCR or lateral flow test in the two days before their departure.
They must take a PCR test in the two days after the day they arrive in the UK, self-isolating until they have a negative result.
