Embattled PM Boris Johnson Announces England Ending Mandatory Masking, Vaccine Passport System

England is ending mandatory masking and its vaccine passport system on Jan. 27, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Wednesday.

Johnson ended “Plan B” measures, which include mask mandates, vaccine passes and remote work where possible, and he credited boosters and public obedience of COVID-19 rules with making the move possible, according to BBC News. He also said the Omicron coronavirus variant wave had peaked in England.

Under the new order, children will no longer be required to wear masks in class, and Johnson said he is looking to end mask mandates for students in communal areas shortly, BBC News reported. The prime minister’s other plans include ending the legal requirement to self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 and easing restrictions on visits to care homes.