U.K. Tightens Covid Rules, Buying Time to Determine Omicron Risks
- Face coverings to become mandatory again in shops, transport
- Policy reversal comes at sensitive time for prime minister
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Tougher U.K. pandemic rules are set to take effect this week as Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government seeks to buy scientists “precious weeks” to determine the risks posed by Covid-19’s omicron strain.
All travelers arriving in the U.K. starting at 4 a.m. on Nov. 30 must take a PCR coronavirus test on or before the second day of their stay and isolate until they receive a negative result. Face coverings will again be mandatory in shops and other indoor settings and on public transport. Booster shots may also be approved for more age groups within days, according to Health Secretary Sajid Javid.