England makes COVID status mandatory for nightclub entry

As COVID cases rise and the Omicron variant spreads, England’s restrictions have been tightened with introduction of Plan B restrictions.

To be enforced in a weeks time, COVID status - proof of a negative lateral flow test or proof of vaccination status on the NHS app - will become necessary for entering nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather such as sports stadiums. This in place for venues with an indoor capacity of 500 people and for outside events of over 4000 people.

As part of Plan B, face coverings will become a mandatory requirement from Friday, December 10, in settings such as shops, cinemas, theatres and public transport. And the government has recommended working-from-home starts again from Monday, December 13, for all industries that are able to do so.

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This news came after PM Boris Johnson was questioned over the leaked footage of a Christmas party held last year at Downing Street which took place whilst Tier 3 restrictions were in place. The PM said he: "understands the anger" of people seeing Number 10 staff seeming to make light of lockdown measures.

"I was also furious to see that clip. I apologise unreservedly for the offence that it has caused up and down the country," the PM adds.

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He reiterates that "there was no party", and that "I was told no COVID rules were broken".

Labour leader Keir Starmer has said that the PM was "taking the public for fools" while the SNP called for Boris Johnson to resign.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter