Another update regarding face masks

Applies to England only

Due to the new coronavirus variant, Omicron, new guidance and update regulations are constantly being updated.

On 29 November The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (England) Regulations 2021 was released which stated face coverings must be worn in indoor settings as of 30 November. The legislation was due to cease on 20 December. Here are the regulations https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/1340/contents/made 

Further regulations were released on 9 December to come into force on 10 December, which were The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021. These have not only extended the ending date of the facemask provision, which were due to end on the 20 December and now cease on 26 January 2022, but it has added more indoor places where a face covering must be worn. Including large gatherings based in an indoor community setting. Here are the amended regulations https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/1400/contents/made 

In the first regulations that came into force on 30 November 2021, the definition of a “shop” means any building, room or other indoor establishment which is open to the public in whole or in part and is used wholly or mainly for the purposes of retail sale or hire of goods or services. Most estate and letting agents would also be classed as a “shop” unless you are not open to the public like some admin centres.

Also guidance for “Understanding the possession action process for private landlords” has been updated today (10 December). The only change is a grey box at the top that says that England will move to Plan B due to the risks of the Omicron variant. There are no other changes to the process for possession and the notice periods still remain to the pre coronavirus state which was in effect from 01 October https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/understanding-the-possession-action-process-guidance-for-landlords-and-tenants/understanding-the-possession-action-process-a-guide-for-private-landlords-in-england-and-wales

 Guidance for landlords and tenants have also been updated in the same way by adding a grey box at the top of the guidance that states England will move to Plan B due to the risks of the Omicron variant. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-landlords-and-tenants