Adults over 18 years old in England have to show Covid passes or a recent negative test as a condition of entry at indoor crowded venues, outdoor events, and any event with a capacity of more than 10,000 people. Photo Credit: Getty Imaegs/Volodymyr Kalyniuk
The UK is struggling to control the Omicron variant of the
coronavirus, prompting the government to set in motion 'Plan B' earlier
in December — which set into law mandatory wearing of masks in specific
settings, and Covid passes for large events to stem rising daily case
rates.
Starting 14 December, adults over 18 years old in England have to
show Covid passes or a recent negative test as a condition of entry at
indoor crowded venues with a capacity of more than 500, outdoor events
of 4,000 or more, and any event with a capacity of more than 10,000
people.
MPs also backed mandatory mask-wearing in most indoor settings and compulsory vaccination for NHS workers in England.
The abolition of self-isolation for fully vaccinated Covid contacts —
in favour of daily lateral flow tests – was passed without a vote.
Currently, there is only the need for two vaccinations to use the
Covid pass — but this could rise to three vaccinations as early as next
month, according to health secretary Sajid Javid.
Anyone attempting to fake Covid passes or test results could be
issued with a fixed penalty notice at a cost of £10,000 for a first
offence.
And venues are also required to check every person admitted to the
event or venue, unless they get approval from councils in advance to
carry out spot checks instead.
Venues and businesses in breach of the rules on checks could be fined
£1,000 in the first instance, reduced to £500 if paid within 14 days.
Further offences lead to increased fines of up to £10,000 for fourth
offences.
Businesses must also keep records on the checks they have carried out for at least three months after events.
Source: M&IT