A COVID “Plan B” was announced this week as prime minister Boris Johnson (pictured) prepared to bring in new measures aimed at stopping the spread of the Omicron variant.

At a special press conference, he said that from Monday people should start working from home where they can.

Mandatory mask-wearing in public spaces including cinemas and theatres is being extended, and when attending large events people must display a vaccine passport or a negative lateral flow test.

Event organisers have a week to discuss the measures before they are implemented.

Mr Johnson dismissed the possibility of mandatory vaccines, but has encouraged the public to get vaccinated and take a booster jab where offered.

He said more measures would be added if the spread of Omicron did not slow.