The NHS Covid Pass will be required for entry into nightclubs and other large venues starting from December 15. This is part of the new Plan B restrictions introduced to slow the spread of the Omicron variant, which is expected to become the dominant strain globally. Other measures include guidance to work from home and the reintroduction of face masks in indoor venues such as theatres and cinemas.

As of December 10, there were 817 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in the UK. The NHS Covid Pass is set to be mandatory for nightclubs and venues with large crowds, starting on December 15. Large venues include indoor venues with more than 500 people, outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people, and any venue with more than 10,000 people.

To obtain the NHS Covid Pass, individuals can download it from the NHS app or access it through the NHS website. The pass is valid for 30 days and can also be printed if needed. Booster vaccinations are reflected in the digital NHS Covid Pass but not in the NHS Covid Pass letter.

The validity of the digital NHS Covid Pass varies depending on the type of verification. Vaccination-based passes last for 30 days and refresh upon login, while negative test-based passes are valid for 48 hours. A positive PCR test provides proof of natural immunity for 180 days after the test date.

Individuals aged 16 and over are eligible for the NHS Covid Pass for travel, while those under 16 may need to show a negative test result. Those 18 and over can use the pass for domestic events and venues, while those under 18 do not need to provide proof of vaccination or test results for domestic events in England.

The Plan B measures will be reviewed on January 5 before their expiry date of January 26.