End to Plan B measures will mean masks are no longer mandatory in theatres

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that Plan B measures in England, including mandatory Covid passports and face coverings in public places such as theatres, will come to an end from Thursday 27 January 2022.

During a statement to the House of Commons, Johnson also added that he would no longer be advising people to work from home and praised the booster campaign and public efforts to follow Plan B measures.

The decision also comes in light of scientists’ belief that the latest Coronavirus variant Omicron has peaked.

However, the Prime Minister did urge people to remain cautious during the last weeks of winter as there was still a huge amount of pressure on the NHS and the pandemic was not over.

Johnson said: “In the country at large we will continue to suggest the use of face coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces, particularly when you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet, but we will trust the judgement of the British people and no longer criminalise anyone who chooses not to wear one.”

Health Secretary Sajid Javid also commented during a Downing Street press conference that there was still a threat of new Coronavirus variants in the future and safety measures such as hand washing, ventilating rooms and self-isolating following a positive test would still make a major difference to the spread of the disease.

The legal requirement for people to isolate for five days following a positive test will remain in place but Johnson said it was unlikely the rules – due to expire on 24 March 2022 – would be renewed. Indeed the regulations could be reviewed earlier if the data allowed.

Plan B measures have had huge ramifications for the theatre industry, causing reduced audience attendance and a large number of productions being delayed or cancelled.

A statement from SOLT and UK Theatre chief executive Julian Bird reads: “The relaxing of Plan B measures, particularly the end of mandatory home working, should provide a confidence boost to the theatre industry after several weeks of turbulence and uncertainty. Throughout the pandemic, theatres UK-wide have worked tirelessly to offer world-class entertainment and audiences can be assured that venues using the See it Safely mark, developed by SOLT and UK Theatre, are operating in accordance with the latest Government guidelines. As restrictions ease, we continue to ask theatregoers to wear face coverings throughout our buildings unless exempt, to protect our hardworking staff, performers and fellow audience members.”