EXTRA TIME

England: Remaining Coronavirus Restrictions Lifted

February 24, 2022 at 7:48 pm Leave a comment

The Telegraph reports that on February 24th the government has ended legal restrictions in England and is instead asking the public to practice specific safe and responsible behaviours as the primary means of stopping the spread of the virus. ‘Be safe’, the public is told as the restrictions end.

From today, the legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive coronavirus test has been removed along with contact tracing.

Close contacts who are fully vaccinated will no longer have to test daily for seven days, while unvaccinated close contacts will not be required to self-isolate.

However, staying at home and avoiding contact with others is still the most effective way to avoid passing on Covid-19 if you are infected.

Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “While everyone will welcome the progress we have made with the vaccination programme, it’s important to remember that Covid-19 is still with us and presents a danger to many.

“Vaccines will remain our first line of defence against Covid-19 and it is vital that everyone eligible takes up the offer of their latest jab. Maintaining good hand hygiene, ventilating rooms well, and wearing a mask in enclosed spaces are simple steps that will also help minimise risk.

“Free testing will remain on offer until the end of March and you should still book a PCR test if you have symptoms or take a rapid at-home test if you plan to visit someone vulnerable until then. 

“If you test positive you should still stay at home and continue to keep away from others, just like you would if you had another infectious illness like norovirus or flu.”

While the focus on prevention moves to individuals and communities, UKHSA will continue to monitor Covid-19 and its impact and advise policymakers and the public.

➡️ London after two years of Covid-19: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/climate-and-people/pandemic-has-left-london-shadow-former-self/

Entry filed under: Uncategorized.