Chris Whitty

In an attempt to stop the spread of the new variant of the coronavirus, a number of countries around the world have restricted movement and flights to and from South Africa, and other anti-epidemic measures have been taken.

Despite the measures, Omicron has already spread to most continents from the Netherlands to Hong Kong and Australia, BNR reported.

In England, the mandatory wearing of masks in shops and on public transport will return next week as part of a series of measures in connection with the new version of the Covid-19 Omicron. The rest of the United Kingdom - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - is expected to impose the same restrictions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the measures were temporary and preventive.

On Monday, England will do away with all of its legal coronavirus restrictions in what many people have dubbed "Freedom Day".

Masks will no longer be compulsory indoors, social distancing will be abolished and more than six people will be allowed to mix inside homes for the first time since September last year.

A rise in cases of the Indian coronavirus variant could "pose serious disruption" to Britain's reopening plans, Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on May 14. 

England will take the next step of reopening on Monday as planned, but the final stage, currently scheduled for June 21, could be in doubt.

"I do not believe we need to delay our roadmap," said Johnson.

Two people in the UK tested positive for the new coronavirus that has emerged in China. These are the first cases in the country, health authorities said today, cited by the French press.

"We can confirm that two patients in England, who are members of the same family, have tested positive for coronavirus," said Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England.