On 30 November 2021, the government introduced new rules in response to the Covid-19 Omicron variant.
This will allow scientists time to study the variant and understand more about it.
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You must wear a face covering in shops, certain other indoor settings and on public transport. The full list is as follows:
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shops and supermarkets
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shopping centres (malls and indoor markets)
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auction houses
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post offices
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banks
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building societies
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high-street solicitors and accountants
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credit unions
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short-term loan providers
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saving clubs etc
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estate and letting agents
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hair salons
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nail salons
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massage centres
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tattoo and piercing studios and other premises providing personal care and beauty treatments
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premises providing veterinary services
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retail galleries
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retail travel agents
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takeaways (without space for the consumption of food and drink on premises) apart from when eating and drinking
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retail galleries
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pharmacies
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any form of public transport
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taxis and private hire vehicles
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transport hubs (airports, rail and tram station terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach station terminals)
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If you are a contact of a suspected Covid-19 Omicron case you must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of your vaccination status. You will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace who will tell you what you need to do.
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All international arrivals must take a PCR test within 48 hours and self-isolate until they receive a negative result, even if they have been vaccinated.
What else can you do to stay safe?
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Get vaccinated including the booster jab as soon as you qualify. Find out more about the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
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Meet outdoors where it is safer. If you do meet indoors, open windows to let fresh air in for at least 10 minutes every hour.
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Wear a face covering in crowded or enclosed settings where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet (even if you are not legally required to).
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If you have Covid-19 symptoms, self-isolate immediately and get tested. This includes following the new rules on self-isolation for the Omicron variant.
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Stay at home if you feel unwell.
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Take a Lateral Flow Test if you are going to be spending time in crowded and enclosed spaces, or before visiting people who are at higher risk of severe illness if they get Covid-19.
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Regularly wash your hands. If you can’t use soap and water, wash your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 70% alcohol.
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Download and use the NHS Covid-19 App.
Find out more about how to keep you and your loved ones safe on the Tewkesbury Borough Council coronavirus page.
