BUSINESSES in Malvern are preparing for more disruption with the government's "Plan B" for Covid.

Due to the spread of the Omicron variant, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the country face masks are now mandatory in "most public indoor venues" including theatres and cinemas.

There are exceptions "where it's not practical, including while eating, drinking, exercising or singing".

The extension of face mask rules follow the reintroduction of enforced wearing of face coverings in shops and shopping centres, transport hubs and on public transport that came in last month.

Chris Lee, who runs the Amaze charity shop in Malvern Link, said there were worries a new set of Covid rules could hit Christmas trade.

He said: "Our thoughts are firstly with the safety of customers and those we work with, but already we have had people in the who said we ought to sell wine and cheese so we could have a party atmosphere in the shop.

"Our big fear is that the new strain will lead to another lockdown and mark the end of the High Street.

"We are thinking that we will have establish an online shop to supplement our existing retail outlet."

Announcing the Plan B measures, Mr Johnson said: "Employers should use the rest of the week to discuss working arrangements with their employees but from Monday (December 13) you should work from home if you can.

"I know this will be hard for many people but by reducing your contacts in the workplace, you will help slow transmission."

The NHS Covid Pass, which can be obtained by having two vaccines or a negative lateral flow test, will also now be needed to enter various venues from December 15.

The pass will be needed to enter nightclubs, unseated indoor venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people, and any venue with more than 10,000 people.

This includes sporting venues and nightclubs.

Chris Winstanley, from the Old Con Club in Malvern, said more needed to be done to support businesses.

He said: "At The Old Con Club we think there is so little credibility in government advice that people are making their own independent decisions around what’s safe and what’s not.

"We continue to be very busy for live music, comedy and private hire bookings.

"Some folks in vulnerable groups are understandably staying at home whilst scientists work out whether Omicrom is more dangerous than previous variants, but those who have had their vaccines and don’t have underlying health concerns are still embracing all that Malvern’s hospitality venues have to offer this December. 

"Storm Arwen cancelling the Christmas lights switch-on had the most impact on local traders this festive period, although looking on the bright side we have enough mulled wine in the cellar to last ’til Easter."

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, who has continually lobbied against tougher restrictions, said: "I’ve been heartened by the speedy reaction of local people to taking up booster jabs and I encourage everyone to come forward to get their vaccination as soon as they are asked.

"This is the best chance of helping to make sure that Covid pressures are taken off the NHS as it heads into its busiest time of the year.

"We still don’t know the changed impact on illness of the Omicron variant and we’re all hopeful that the latest instructions will be rendered redundant.

"However, in my experience local people are already taking their own sensible steps to prevent the spread – including regular self-testing and mask wearing and we should make sure that we make the right individual choices as we head towards Christmas."