Now we all face threat of Plan C
As firms fear missing out on Xmas millions, restaurants and pubs may be hit with tighter restrictions in January
a ‘PLaN C’ which would see the imposition of even tighter restrictions is already being worked on by officials to tackle the threat of Omicron.
With many businesses reeling from the impact of Plan B measures announced this week, it emerged that further rules could be introduced in the New Year if the variant proves more dangerous than feared.
These include having to ‘check in’ with the NHS Covid app again to go to a pub or restaurant, using face masks in all indoor spaces, and having to show a vaccine passport at even more venues.
The first part of the Government’s Plan B comes into force today with the introduction of compulsory face masks in indoor settings such as theatres, cinemas and churches.
New work-from-home guidance will come into force on Monday, and MPs will vote the next day on the introduction of vaccine passports for nightclubs and large venues.
Boris johnson said on Wednesday that ministers hope the measures will be enough to ‘slow the spread’ of the Omicron variant while more booster jabs are rolled out.
But – as shops, pubs and restaurants warn of the millions they face losing at their busiest time of year under Plan B measures – officials are already working on a potential ‘Plan C’ package.
Top of the list is the reintroduction of rules requiring hospitality venues to collect the contact details of all customers to help NHS Test and Trace track down those who come into contact with Covid cases.
This would mean the return of compulsory ‘check-ins’, through the NHS app or by providing phone and email contacts in writing.
a Whitehall source said that Health Secretary Sajid javid had pushed for the measure to be introduced immediately to make it easier to trace Omicron contacts. But ministers decided not to go beyond measures set out in published contingency plans at this stage.
Mr javid hinted at further plans yesterday, telling BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘We could have the Covid pass in more settings, we could have masks in more settings.’
One source said measures could also include a return to table service in pubs and restaurants.
But ministers want to avoid the reintroduction of the one-metre rule, which crippled hospitality, and are determined to avoid ordering businesses to shut if at all possible.
and any attempt to impose the use of vaccine passports in the hospitality sector would meet with fierce resistance from some Tory MPs. a Whitehall source said: ‘The emphasis in Plan B is very much on taking measures that have the greatest impact on reducing transmission coupled with the minimum economic impact.
‘Of course working from home does have an impact, but it also makes a big difference to transmission. if we do need to go further then you can expect to see the same kind of balanced, proportionate approach.’
Shops, pubs and nightclubs are already warning about the devastating impact of Plan B measures. High street retailers said city centres will be hollowed out as workers
‘Devastating for town centres’
are ordered to stay at home. Pubs and restaurants have been hit by the uncertainty over the Omicron variant, which has sparked a wave of Christmas party cancellations.
Experts put the cost of Plan B at £4billion per month. The institute for Economic affairs said the measures could ‘easily’ knock 2 per cent off the size of the economy.
Yesterday UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said Plan B would mean trade over Christmas falling by 30 per cent. She added: ‘it’s helpful that businesses are being kept open and allowed to trade and that the Prime Minister is still allowing socialising, but there will still be a significant hit. There will be an impact on trade, footfall and people’s willingness to go out.’
British Beer and Pub association chief executive Emma McClarkin said the rules are a ‘huge blow’ for the sector. She said: ‘it further undermines consumer confidence and is devastating for pubs based near offices and in town centres.
‘The festive period is crucial to the recovery of our sector, so these restrictions could not have come at a more important trading time.’
john Timpson, owner of shoe repairs chain Timpson, said that just as city centres are starting to recover, Plan B measures are ‘sending it backwards’. He added that we need to ‘learn to live with the virus’.