Boris Johnson will lead a press conference to explain the measures the Government have taken to try and control the spread of the Omicron variant.

Little is known about the new variant, but scientists fear it is more vaccine-resistant than other strains of the virus.

New rules to control its spread came into force at 4am today (Tuesday November 30).

Rewatch Boris Johnson Covid announcement HERE

What are the new rules in place to control the spread of the Omicron variant?

Face coverings are again compulsory in England in shops and settings such as banks, post offices, hairdressers, and public transport, while all travellers returning to the UK must take a PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their age or vaccination status.

Additionally, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is now advising that all adults aged 18 to 39 should be offered a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, in order of descending age groups, to increase their level of protection.

Those aged 40 and over are already eligible for a booster vaccine.

The JCVI said booster doses should be given no sooner than three months after people have had their second dose of an original vaccine – shaving three months off the current six-month wait.