But here in the U.S. where things are demonstrably worse (not with Omicron, but overall cases/hospitalizations/deaths)? Nothing at all is changing. We have zero ability to look at (1) what has already happened here and (2) what is happening elsewhere and have an honest assessment about what needs to be done *now*.People in England are being asked to work from home again if possible and face masks will be compulsory in most public places, as part of new rules to limit the spread of Omicron.
Covid passes will also be needed to get into nightclubs and large venues from next week.
Boris Johnson announced the government was moving to its back-up plan of extra Covid rules at a news conference.
"It's not a lockdown, it's Plan B," the prime minister said.
He said moving to the tougher measures was the "proportionate and responsible" thing to do.
Mr Johnson said more is still being learned about new variant Omicron and the picture might get better, but that it "could lead to a big rise in hospitalisations and therefore sadly in deaths".
He said the new variant was "growing much faster" than Delta and early analysis suggested cases could be doubling every 2.5 to three days.
I made it to 1:44pm. Time for a drink.
