Coronavirus update: return to Plan A measures

Date: 

Thursday, 20 January, 2022

On 19 January 2022, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced that the measures put in place under Plan B in England will be lifted.  

This means:

  • The government is no longer ask people to work from home. People should now talk to their employers to agree arrangements to return to the office.
  • From 20 January: Face coverings will no longer be advised for staff and pupils in secondary school and college classrooms.
  • From 27 January: Face coverings will no longer be advised for staff and pupils in communal areas of secondary schools, nor for staff in communal areas of primaries. Directors of Public Health will only be able to recommend pupils and staff wear masks in communal areas in places where there are outbreaks or where the local public health situation justifies it, and with sign-off from the Education Secretary.
  • From 27 January: There is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering. The government suggests that you continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet.
  • From 27 January: Venues and events will no longer be required by law to check visitors’ NHS COVID Pass. Some venues may still choose to run the NHS COVID PASS voluntarily and request it.

View the latest government guidance