Boris Johnson set to announce easing of Covid restrictions in England

Boris Johnson is set to announce an easing of coronavirus restrictions in England.

It comes as the Prime Minister battles to remain in Number 10 amidst scandal over parties held in Downing Street during lockdown.

England’s Plan B measures – which include guidance to work from home, the use of the Covid pass and mandatory mask wearing in shops and on public transport – are set to expire on January 26.

In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that most remaining Covid restrictions will be lifted on Monday, January 24.

A total of 19,450 people were in hospital in the UK with Covid-19 as of January 17, UK Government figures show.

The Plan B measures were introduced in England to combat the wave of cases driven by the Omicron variant, with the aim of buying time to offer more booster jabs.

Johnson’s Cabinet is to meet on Wednesday morning to review the latest Covid data and Plan B measures.

The Prime Minister is then expected to update Parliament in the afternoon.

A UK Government spokesperson said: “Decisions on the next steps remain finely balanced.

“Plan B was implemented in December to slow the rapid spread of the extremely transmissible Omicron variant, and get more jabs in arms.

“It’s thanks to the phenomenal efforts of the NHS and many dedicated volunteers that we have now delivered over 36 million boosters to people across the UK.

“The Omicron variant continues to pose a significant threat and the pandemic is not over. Infections remain high but the latest data is encouraging, with cases beginning to fall.

“Vaccines remain our best line of defence and we urge people to come forward, to give themselves the best possible protection.”