'Sensible first steps ' introduced in response to new Covid strain - Chamber

The re-introduction of travel restrictions and the mandatory wearing of face masks in some public settings are “sensible first steps ” in response to the emergence of a new Covid-19 strain, business leaders said today.

Face coverings will once again be compulsory in shops and on public transport from tomorrow.

All contacts of suspected 'Omicron ' Covid-19 cases will also be required to self-isolate for 10 days - regardless of a person 's vaccination status

Anyone entering the UK will require a PCR test by the end of the second day after their arrival and will need to self-isolate until they have a negative result.

Government says the change will be brought in “as soon as possible ” following agreement with the other UK nations.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) - the UK's vaccine advisory body - will consider giving the booster vaccine “to as wide as group as possible ”.

The gap between the second dose and the booster will also be reduced.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the new rules were temporary and would be reviewed after three weeks.

Raj Kandola, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Given just how little we know about the effects of the new strain of Covid-19, the Government 's pragmatic approach is understandable.

“Taking considered action around re-introducing travel restrictions along with reinforcing the use of face masks in shops and public transport is a sensible first step as the picture becomes clearer over the next few weeks around the spread of Omicron cases in this country.

“If case numbers continue to grow, then the likelihood is the Government will start to enact elements of Plan B - notably encouraging staff to work from home.

“It 's at that point we need clarity and consistency on the support that will made available for firms that are likely to be impacted by this measure - let 's not forget, the economic recovery remains fragile and many businesses up and down the country are still suffering from the impacts of the last 18 months.

“As always, the Chamber will be on hand to keep its members abreast of the latest developments and play our part in keeping business moving during this uncertain time. ”

The decision to reintroduce face coverings has been backed by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira).

Bira's CEO Andrew Goodacre said: "We support the wearing of face coverings in shops in England and we are pleased that a decision has been made to keep everyone safe and stop the spread of this new variant.

"Our members are now well used to these measures and we now have time to implement them again. Fortunately indie retailers followed our advice and left measures such as Perspex screens in place. We now hope that the general public will be as responsible as the shop owners and staff and wear face coverings without any objections."

Click here to review the GBCC's Covid-19 Support Grid for an overview of the existing Government support mechanisms in place.