

The science on vaccine effectiveness will be among the crucial data that will determine the next steps ministers take. That would make a lockdown sooner or later far more likely, while new vaccines are designed and manufactured. The biggest threat from Omicron is that it is so different from the other Covid variants that the current vaccines, which have been given to 80.5 per cent of the population aged 12 and older, may not be effective enough. Yet scientists and health officials are also clear that, ultimately, the lockdowns were vital to gaining control over the disease before the vaccines arrived. There is no “work from home” order and no requirement for vaccine certification.Īs the government’s winter plan makes clear, ministers are reluctant to impose another lockdown because “this causes more disruption and has greater immediate costs to the economy and some businesses” than other plan B measures.

ARE WE GOING ON LOCKDOWN AGAIN USA FULL
Johnson’s response to the threat of Omicron so far stops short of the full plan B. Ministers would also consider asking the public to work from home again, “for a limited period”. Under plan B, the government would step up its messaging to warn the public to take far more care, introduce mandatory vaccine-only Covid passports for certain settings, and legally require face masks to be worn. Science and Technical Research and Development.Infrastructure Management - Transport, Utilities.Information Services, Statistics, Records, Archives.Information and Communications Technology.HR, Training and Organisational Development.Health - Medical and Nursing Management.Facility / Grounds Management and Maintenance.But he warned that “targeted and proportionate” measures are needed to buy some time, while scientists study the new mutation of the virus. He also said he believes this Christmas will be much closer to normal than last year’s. Johnson said he hopes to be able to lift the restrictions and will review them in three weeks.

The action followed two confirmed cases of Omicron in the UK.
