Plan B Covid Restrictions To End on 27th January
The Prime Minister has today announced the removal of Plan B restrictions with effect from Thursday 27th January, as a result of which: –
- Face coverings will no longer be mandatory in any settings – although people are still advised to wear coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces, particularly when meeting strangers. From Thursday 20th January, secondary school pupils will no longer have to wear face masks in classrooms and the Department of Education will remove guidance on their use in communal areas “shortly”.
- People will no longer be advised to work from home (this takes effect immediately)
- Covid passports for entering nightclubs and large events will no longer be mandatory, though organisations can choose to use the NHS Covid pass if they wish
- Restrictions on visits to care homes in England will also be eased further, with Health Secretary Sajid Javid setting out plans “in the coming days”
The prime minister also said the government intended to end the legal requirement for people to self-isolate after they test positive for Covid but while self-isolation regulations remain in place for now, as Covid becomes endemic they would need to be replaced with advice and guidance.
With effect from Monday 17th January, the minimum self-isolation period for those testing positive for Covid-19 in England was cut to five full days but people need to produce negative lateral flow tests on days five and six of their isolation.
When the current self-isolation regulations expire on 24 March, Mr Johnson said he expected not to renew them. If the data allows, the government will “seek a vote in this House to bring that date forward”.
Booster Jabs for Teenagers
Also from Monday 17th January, 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to book their booster jabs or attend a walk-in vaccination centre. To begin with, invitations will be sent to the 40,000 teens who had a second vaccine dose at least three months ago. Eventually more than 600,000 people aged 16 and 17 who have had two doses will be eligible for the booster.
In addition, about 500 clinically vulnerable 12 to 15-years-olds who are most at risk from coronavirus will also be able to get a booster
Foreign Travel – France
As from Friday 14th January, restrictions on UK travellers entering France have been relaxed. Fully vaccinated people will no longer need a compelling reason to enter France and will not have to self-isolate when they arrive. A negative Covid test, taken 24 hours before leaving the UK, will still be required for all those arriving. People who are not vaccinated will still need a compelling reason to enter France, and must isolate for 10 days upon arrival. For further information please see here.
