Circuit breaker lockdown: will Leeds shops and pubs stay open during the proposed Plan C after Christmas?

A circuit breaker lockdown could come into place after Christmas if Omicron cases continue to soar.
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Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement after Christmas regarding the next steps to curb the spread of Omicron, with the possibility of more restrictions on the table.

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Last week the Prime Minister ruled out that there would be any new restrictions in place before Christmas, however he stated that a circuit breaker lockdown is not off the table after New Year if cases continue to soar.

Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement regarding the next steps to curb the spread of Omicron.Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement regarding the next steps to curb the spread of Omicron.
Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement regarding the next steps to curb the spread of Omicron.
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Here is what we know so far about a circuit breaker lockdown.

What is Plan C?

Plan C refers to the escalation of the current Plan B in place resulting in an imposed circuit breaker next year.

Earlier this month Boris Johnson announced Plan B - this plan encouraged people to work from home where possible and get the booster jab to curb the rise of Omicron in the UK.

What would be implemented during a circuit breaker?

The plan allegedly being drawn up would see indoor meetings with people from outside one's household banned for a period of time.

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People would only be allowed to convene indoors for work, and pubs and restaurants would once again have to serve customers outdoors and for takeaway only.

People may also be asked to check in using the NHS Covid app for track and trace, with Covid Passports being extended to bars, cafes and pubs.

The 'rule of six' would be reintroduced for outdoor gatherings and shielding would return to protect those most vulnerable to the virus.

Will pubs stay open?

Yes - technically pubs would be able to stay open if stricter measures are brought in next year.

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However they would once again have to serve customers outdoors and for takeaway only.

Will shops remain open?

Shops will be able to stay open under the alleged Plan C.

Current rules would remain in place, meaning that face masks would remain mandatory in shops and on public transport.

Social distancing may also return to shops and venues according to reports this week.

When will Plan C come into place?

It has been reported that measures are unlikely to start before the New Year, with no announcement made by Boris Johnson thus far.

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Data from South Africa has so far indicated that Omicron is a milder variant of Covid, with a hospitalisation rate a third lower than previous variants.

The Prime Minister is expected to make an announcement regarding new restrictions before January.

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