British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has imposed tougher Covid-19 restrictions in England, ordering people to work from home, wear masks in public places and use vaccine passes to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

Undermined by accusations that his staff partied at Downing Street during a Christmas lockdown last year, Johnson said Omicron was spreading rapidly and he had no choice but to move to "Plan B" while a vaccine booster programme rolls out.

Face masks will be required in public venues such as theatres and cinemas and a Covid pass will be mandatory for access to nightclubs and venues with large crowds.

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