What Covid restrictions are still in place in England?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that England’s Plan B rules will end this month as Covid-19 cases continue to decline.
The UK’s cases dropped by 38% in just the last week, with many hoping that this means the Omicron variant outbreak is finally under control.
Covid-19 vaccine passes have been scrapped, the work from home order has been lifted, and mandatory face mask-wearing is being phased out.
However, even with Plan B coming to an end, there are still some rules that you will need to continue following.
Here is everything you need to know about the Covid-19 rule changes.
What Covid restrictions are still in place in England?
It is worth noting that all Plan B rules are still in place until Thursday, January 27, which is when the current regulations expire.
However, are the rules that will remain in place past that date:
Covid testing and isolation
Covid-19 testing and isolation rules remain in place.
If you experience symptoms of the virus, you should immediately isolate and take a Covid-19 test.
If you test positive for coronavirus, even without symptoms, you still need to isolate and report the result.
The rules still apply to those who have had both of their vaccines.
However, Mr Johnson confirmed his intention to end the legal requirement for people to self-isolate if they test positive for Covid – as soon as March 24.
He told MPs: ‘The self-isolation regulations expire on March 24, at which point I very much expect not to renew them.
‘Indeed, were the data to allow, I’d like to seek a vote in this House to bring that date forward.’
Travel
England’s travel rules also remain untouched.
Vaccinated travelers do not need to isolate on arrival – however, if the traveller tests positive with a lateral flow, they will then be required to take a PCR test and self-isolate for up to 10 days.
If you’ve not been fully vaccinated then you must provide a negative test before you travel to the UK – you will have to quarantine for 10 days when you arrive.
You also need to take two more PCR tests on days two and eight of your quarantine.
The test should be bought from an approved private test provider – free NHS tests cannot be used.
All travellers also have to fill in and submit an online passenger locator form no more than 48 hours before arriving.
It is worth noting that the rule changes only apply to England – Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own Covid-19 rules in place.
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