The Prime Minister has confirmed that England will move to Plan B following the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in the UK.
The plan sees the Government, from Monday 13 December, advise those who can to work from home. Meanwhile from Friday 10 December, face coverings will become compulsory in most public indoor venues, such as cinemas, theatres and places of worship.
In addition, from Wednesday 15 December, the NHS Covid Pass on the NHS App will become mandatory for entry into nightclubs and settings where large crowds gather – including unseated indoor events with 500 or more attendees, unseated outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees and any event with 10,000 or more attendees.
Responding to the Government’s announcement that it will bring in new COVID-19 restrictions as part of its winter ‘Plan B’ for dealing with the pandemic, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “It felt like the days of a start-stop approach to the economy had passed, so this announcement will come as a bitter blow to many businesses that had been looking ahead to the festive period with a bounce.
“Remember, Tier 3 restrictions last year meant Christmas was cancelled for many businesses in our region, particularly those in hospitality, retail and leisure.
“Given the importance of this season to those sectors, these coming weeks are critical to their future prospects, and any restrictions that act as a barrier to business continuity or capacity will be massively detrimental.
“Many organisations have spent a great deal of energy and money on making their workplaces Covid-secure, as well as in encouraging employees to feel confident about returning, so the mandate to work from home sends a troubling message.
“These restrictions must be met by immediate and effective Government financial support for all affected firms, while we expect it to follow the data to act swiftly in rolling these restrictions back at the earliest possible opportunity.
“We’re at a very delicate moment in the economic recovery, with our latest Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 2021 showing a slowdown across every economic indicator in the East Midlands. We can’t afford to squeeze the brakes on any tighter, and it’s up to Westminster now to reassure businesses that this won’t be a prolonged return to a restricted way of life.”
Matthew Fell, CBI Chief Policy Director, said: “Fresh restrictions are a big setback for businesses, particularly for those in hospitality and retail who are in a critical trading period, as well as others such as transport.
“While Covid certification can support public health, careful implementation and enforcement will be required to assist businesses affected. It will be vital that the impact of these restrictions is closely monitored, and that the government is ready with targeted support as required.
“Omicron will quite likely not be the last variant. We need to create consistency in our approach and build confidence by reducing the oscillation between normal life and restrictions. Prioritising daily testing, rather than self-isolation, is a good step. Firms need continued forward guidance and a commitment from government to prioritise ongoing free, mass rapid testing as we learn to live with the virus.
“Meanwhile, firms will continue to do all they can to protect their staff and customers, including being as flexible as possible to enable employees to get their boosters.”
