All Plan B restrictions to tackle the latest wave of Covid-19 will be scrapped as of next week, Boris Johnson has confirmed.
Guidance to work from home if you can, mandatory Covid “passports” for large venues and mandatory masks in shops and on public transport will all be axed as of January 26.
The measures were deployed in December to deal with the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, which now appears to have passed its peak, reports The Mirror.
Boris Johnson made the announcement amid growing pressure from MPs
(Image: Ian Vogler/PA Wire)
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The Prime Minister announced the news to MPs today (January 19), even as Tory MPs openly discussed his political future.
Mr Johnson told MPs the data was showing the Government had already “got the toughest decisions right”.
He said: “Today’s latest ONS data shows infection levels are falling in England and while there are some places where cases are likely to continue rising, including in primary schools, our scientists believe it is likely that the Omicron wave has peaked nationally.”
A shout of joy could be heard from Conservative former minister Sir Desmond Swayne when the PM said: “Having looked at the data carefully, the Cabinet concluded that once regulations lapse the Government will no longer mandate the wearing of face masks anywhere.
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“From tomorrow, we will no longer require face masks in classrooms and the Department for Education will shortly remove national guidance on their use in communal areas.
“In the country at large we will continue to suggest the use of face coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces, particularly when you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet – but we will trust the judgment of the British people and no longer criminalise anyone who chooses not to wear one.”
The PM also confirmed the intention to end the legal requirement to self-isolate in the coming weeks.
He told MPs: “As we return to Plan A, the House will know that some measures still remain, including those on self-isolation.
“In particular, it is still a legal requirement for those who have tested positive for Covid to self-isolate. On Monday we reduced the isolation period to five full days with two negative tests, and there will soon come a time when we can remove the legal requirement to self-isolate altogether, just as we don’t place legal obligations on people to isolate if they have flu.
“As Covid becomes endemic, we will need to replace legal requirements with advice and guidance, urging people with the virus to be careful and considerate of others.
“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.”
Mr Johnson also said restrictions on visits to care homes will be eased further, with Health Secretary Sajid Javid setting out plans “in the coming days”.
Full List of Rule Changes
Plan B measures aimed at tackling the spread of Covid-19 are to be dropped across England, the Prime Minister has announced.
Here is all of the latest changes:
- Mandatory COVID passes will no longer be needed.
- People will not be asked to work from home where possible.
- From tomorrow (January 20), face masks will not be needed in classrooms and the guidance to wear them in communal areas will shortly be removed also. The government will still “suggest” the use of face coverings in cramped or crowded spaces.
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Restrictions on care home visits will also be eased further, with the changes set out in the coming days.
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Self-isolation will remain a legal requirement for those who have tested positive for COVID-19. On Monday, the isolation period will reduce to five full days with two negative tests. He says in the future this will likely to be reduced entirely.
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