Covid-19 restrictions come into place today

It's as cases of the new variant, Omicron, have been found across the country

Author: Olivia DaviesPublished 30th Nov 2021

From today, it is law in England to wear a face mask in shops and on public transport, unless you are exempt.

People who break the rules face a £200 fine, but the law will not apply to pubs, restaurants or any other hospitality setting.

The new rules also state that anyone identified as a close contact of someone with the Omicron variant will have to self-isolate for 10 days - regardless of vaccination status.

Anyone arriving from abroad will also need to take a Day 2 PCR test, and self-isolate until they get a negative result.

Face coverings in communal areas for both secondary school children, and University students are being strongly advised.

There has been no mandate on working from home.

We spoke to Ruth Hutchinson, Director of Public Health for Surrey County Council, who said: "we need to alert the general public and our residents, and follow the new guidance, but not be alarmed, I think that's absolutely key.

"The new guidance, they're things we've had in the past, that we're used to, so I'm really optimistic that this isn't a big move and this is a small thing that we can all do to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities."

She also went on to speak about the amount of people that have come forward for their vaccines:

"In Surrey, the response has been absolutely phenomenal. When we look at the over 12 population, so that's all adults and teenagers, 83% of our population have had their first vaccination, and 76% of them have received two doses.

"That does mean some people are yet to come forward and that's no problem, anyone that hasn't got round to having their vaccine yet, whether that's their first or their second, will be more than welcome at one of their vaccination sites."