Boris Johnson has announced new Covid rules following the Omicron variant being confirmed in the UK.

Speaking from Downing Street, the Prime Minister said: "It does appear Omicron spreads very readily and can be spread between people who are double vaccinated."

He added that there was an extensive mutation that "might at least in part reduce the protection of our vacccines over time."

Mr Johnson said we needed to "slow down the seeding" of the variant in this country. 

The additional measures include returning travellers now requiring a negative PCR test.

The government is now also asking people to "go further" in the UK by wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport again.

Mr Johnson said: "It's going back to a position where you have to wear them in retail settings or public transport. The Health Secretary will set out more in the next day or so." 

And it plans to bolster the booster roll-out. The Health Secretary is speaking with the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations for advice on giving boosters to as wide a group as possible, and reducing the gap between second jabs and boosters. 

Boris Johnson called this evening's press conference following confirmation the Omicron Covid-19 variant has been detected in the UK.

Joining him for the briefing were Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Officer Sir Patrick Vallance.


READ MORE: What's plan B? Full breakdown of plans amid winter Covid restriction fears


Health secretary announces Omicron variant confirmed in UK

Earlier today, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, announced the Government has been made aware by the UK Health Security Agency of two UK cases of the Omicron variant.

Mr Javid said: “The two cases are linked and there is a connection with travel to southern Africa.

“As a precaution we are rolling out additional targeted testing in the affected areas - Nottingham and Chelmsford - and sequencing all positive cases.”

The Health Secretary also confirmed Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola are being added to the to the travel red list - effective from 4am tomorrow.

Anyone returning from there in the last 10 days must isolate and get PCR tests.


READ MORE: New Omicron Covid variant detected in Essex


Today's announcement has brought further uncertainty in the approach to the festive season and whether further restrictions could impact Christmas celebrations.