End of covid restrictions in England: all the rules that change from this midnight

London.- England will lift from this Thursday most of the rules imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many of which had already been eliminated but during the holiday season and the consequent increase in infections by Omicron were re-imposed.

But due to the decrease in the number of infections and especially in hospitalizations, deaths and serious cases, Prime Minister Boris Johnson determined that it was time for the United Kingdom to return to normal.

Last week Johnson told the House of Commons that "our scientists believe the Omicron wave is likely to have peaked nationally."

In addition, he highlighted the "extraordinary enforcement campaign" and the "way in which the public has responded to the Plan B measures," referring to the restrictions that were imposed late last year.

Therefore, he stressed that it was possible "to go back to Plan A in England and allow Plan B regulations to expire."

For the prime minister, it is clear that the country must learn to live with COVID-19, based on medical advances and trusting in the vaccines that "have saved so many lives."

“But for that to be possible, we all need to remain cautious during these last few weeks of winter,” Johnson stressed.

Once this decision has been made, these are the measures that cease to apply in England as of midnight.

Use of face masks

When the clock strikes twelve tonight, mandatory face masks in public places will be a thing of the past.

They will no longer be required in public transport, shops, post offices, banks, beauty salons, hairdressers, theaters and cinemas.

However, Britons are still advised to continue to use them in busy areas or on public transport, but it's up to the individual.

Rules requiring children to wear masks in classrooms have already been lifted, and broader guidance advising students and teachers to wear masks in common areas will roll out starting Thursday.

vaccination passport

Another measure that expires at midnight is the so-called "covid passport" which certifies a person's vaccination or the application of a recent negative test to enter large places such as soccer fields or nightclubs.

This measure was strongly opposed by Conservative MPs when Johnson introduced it in the House of Commons last month and only got through thanks to Labor support.

The current restrictions cover indoor events of more than 500 people and outdoor arenas that hold more than 4,000 people.

At the time, the government justified the vaccine documents by saying they were "preferred to closing venues entirely or re-imposing social distancing."

Travels

A measure that will not be eliminated at midnight but that already has an expiration date will be the practice of Covid tests for vaccinated tourists, which will cease to be mandatory as of 4 am on February 11.

Grant Shapps, Secretary for Transport, said arrivals will only need to complete a Passenger Locator Form when entering the UK, provided they have had both punctures.

"From 4am on February 11, and in time for the mid-term break, eligible and fully vaccinated passengers arriving in the UK will no longer be required to take a post-arrival lateral flow test," it said. Shapps.

That means that after months of pre-departure testing, post-arrival testing, self-isolation and additional expense, all fully vaccinated people will have to do when traveling to the UK is check their status via the UK Locator Form. passengers.

“So we are removing all travel testing for vaccinated people, not only making travel much easier, but also saving around £100 ($135) per family on overseas visits,” he explained.

In a double boost for the midterm holidays, children ages 12 to 15 will be able to download digital proof of vaccination, Shapps confirmed.

Care Homes

Currently, government guidance says that each care home resident can nominate up to three visitors who will be able to enter the care home for regular visits.

Visits must be scheduled in advance with care homes and the visitor must report a negative test result prior to the visit.

But this is expected to be relaxed soon, to allow residents to have more visitors.

insulation standards

Isolation rules will definitely expire on or before March 24, meaning people who test positive for Covid are not legally required to isolate.

Currently, everyone who tests positive for the virus must quarantine at home for at least five full days, and this will not change at midnight.

The rule states that if the patient returns two negative lateral flow swabs on days five and six, Fully vaccinated Brits who come into contact with an infected person should be tested every day, but do not have to isolate as long as they remain negative. .

Meanwhile, unvaccinated people who are close contacts of Covid patients must undergo a 10-day quarantine.

There are fines of up to £10,000 ($13,520) for flouting the laws. However, the restrictions could be lifted in March, if cases remain low and no more serious variants emerge.

Telecommuting

From Friday January 21, the government asked Britons to return to offices, a move that was touted as a huge boost to the economy.

Although remote work is still applicable in some cases, Johnson has been pressed by cabinet ministers to drop the government's rules promoting it.

With information from infobae.com