There Is An Omicron Variant: England Reinforces Rules For Wearing Masks, IDR 3 Million Fine Awaits For Violators

Illustration of a COVID-19 vaccination center in London, England. (Wikimedia Commons/OwenBlacker)

JAKARTA - The wearing of masks and other measures aimed at limiting the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus took effect in the UK on Tuesday, along with a possible expansion of a booster vaccine program that PM Boris Johnson says could increase protection.

Starting Tuesday morning, the wearing of masks is mandatory in transportation and in shops, banks, and hair salons. Meanwhile, all international travelers must take a PCR test at the end of the second day after they arrive, and self-isolate until they get the results.

The provisions follow restrictions on international arrivals from 10 south African countries, which must be subject to hotel quarantine.

The UK has reported 11 cases of the Omicron variant so far, with the government saying this number will increase, saying it is important to slow its spread until more is known about the transmission of the variant and its impact on the vaccine.

"The measures taking effect today are proportionate and responsible, will give us time to deal with this new variant," Johnson said in a statement.

"Today's steps will not only help us slow the spread of the variant, but will also help us protect each other and the advantages we have all worked so hard for," he explained.

Illustration of London Waterloo Station, England during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Wikimedia Commons/OwenBlacker)

PM Johnson said the measures would be reviewed after three weeks, but added the country's vaccine rollout left him in a better situation than it was last year, when restrictions were introduced shortly before Christmas.

Last Monday, vaccine advisers approved a booster program for all adults, and Health Minister Sajid Javid said there would be more details on how it would be implemented this week.

The booster injection is expected to help protect against severe disease even if Omicron is able to reduce the vaccine's efficacy.

"Based on everything we know, our vaccines and boosters remain our best line of defense," Johnson said.

From Tuesday, anyone who refuses to wear a mask on public transport or in shops could face a fine of £200, or more, following the Government's announcement over the weekend.

The decision comes following the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the UK, with at least three positive cases identified in the UK and six in Scotland.

"A fine for passengers who refuse to wear a mask on the Tube will go a long way towards compliance," said London Mayor Sadiq Khan, citing the Evening Standard.

Khan said: "This is a measure I have been asking the Government to introduce for a long time. Evidence shows that face coverings help stop the spread of the virus, ensuring that this is enforced will go a long way towards compliance."

"With the Omicron COVID-19 variant now available in the UK, I urge Londoners to remain vigilant. We know that by wearing a face covering in closed or crowded spaces, washing hands regularly, ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated and social distancing wherever possible, the virus is more difficult to spread," Khan said.