Businesses hailed the government’s decision to lift most coronavirus restrictions in England from next week as a welcome boost to city centres and consumer confidence, despite healthcare leaders warning that the NHS was still grappling with the Omicron wave.
Boris Johnson confirmed to the House of Commons on Wednesday that England’s Plan B measures, which include compulsory mask wearing in public places, a work from home order and vaccine passports for large venues, would lapse after January 26.
The UK prime minister, who is under pressure to resign over claims he flouted coronavirus rules during lockdowns, added that he would like to speed up the end to self-isolation edicts “were the data to allow” it. The requirements are due to expire on March 24.