Boris Johnson announced that London would move to tier three, the highest level of Covid restrictions to curb the spread of the disease, Restaurants (except takeaways) were forced to close. Non-essential shops could stay open if Covid-secure, but were ordered to close on 5 January 2021, as infection rates spiked.

Cafe closed sign Covid

Source: Shutterstock / Nimito

Earlier this month, Johnson announced a move to a new ‘Plan B’ in England ,prompted by rising cases of the Omicron variant. As part of the new rules, face masks have become compulsory in most public indoor venues other than hospitality.