Javid and Londoners on variant and vaccinations

British Health Secretary Sajid Javid said on Monday the new coronavirus restrictions imposed by the government are a means of "buying time" while experts "assess" the new omicron variant of coronavirus.

If the variant turns out to be no more dangerous than other versions, then the government will want to remove any restrictions. The U.K. has tightened its rules on mask-wearing and on testing of international arrivals after finding new cases of the omicron variant over the weekend.

If someone tests positive for the omicron variant, then their close contacts will have to self-isolate for 10 days regardless of their vaccination status — currently close contacts are exempt from quarantine rules if they are fully vaccinated.