UK lifts COVID restrictions, says omicron wave ‘has peaked’

By SYLVIA HUI
Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says face masks will no longer be mandatory in public places and COVID-19 passports will be dropped for large events as infections level off in most parts of the country. Johnson told lawmakers that the restrictions are being eased because government scientists think it’s likely the omicron wave “has now peaked nationally.” Johnson says hospital admissions and intensive care use in most parts of England are stabilizing or falling. The government is no longer advising people to work from home, and compulsory face masks will be scrapped in secondary school classrooms starting Thursday. Starting Jan. 27, face masks or passes to attend large events won’t be required anywhere in England.