The so-called Plan B measures in the UK will be phased out next week. This means that people no longer have to wear masks, work from home or have vaccination certificates to enter public places, such as nightclubs.

“While there are some areas where the number of cases will continue to rise, including in elementary schools, our scientists believe that the omicron wave has most likely passed its peak,” Johnson said Wednesday.

When this variant is now endemic, i.e. common in the population, we must replace legislation with advice and guidance, he stressed.

At the same time, he stressed that there was still enormous pressure on healthcare services across the country, and encouraged people to take a refreshing dose of the vaccine.

“We know that around 90 per cent of those receiving intensive care have not received a refresher dose,” the British Prime Minister said.

Johnson also said that “soon there will be a time” where guidelines for self-isolation and quarantine can be scrapped. The current quarantine rules are in effect until March 24.

The Prime Minister wants to get a vote in the lower house to stop them early, if the situation allows.

Labor leader Keir Starmer said they would support easing coronavirus measures “if science says it’s safe”.

Authorities in Scotland and Wales have also announced that they will relax coronavirus measures.

The coronavirus pandemic has claimed more than 152,000 lives in the UK, according to government figures from Tuesday.