The UK has introduced new anti-COVID-19 measures ahead of the Christmas holiday season, including asking workers to stay at home if they can.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the new guidance at a media briefing from Downing Street. He said:

·   People should work from home if they are able, beginning on Monday, but will still be allowed to travel to offices if necessary.

·   Masks will again be required in indoor venues such as cinemas and theaters from Friday.

·  A COVID pass, proving vaccination or a recent negative test will be needed to enter nightclubs, sports grounds or other crowded venues from next week.

The new measures are in response to the emergence of the Omicron variant which is thought to be more transmissible and possibly better able to evade vaccines than previous variants of the virus.

Johnson, who is under fire after members of his staff allegedly broke the rules last year to organize a Christmas party, said people should not cancel  get togethers or school events but should instead take sensible precautions.

He has urged the public to get a third "booster" dose of vaccine to increase their protection and said that should vaccines prove to be efficacious against Omicron, the latest measures could be reversed.