prime minister Boris Johnson reaffirmed that the UK intends to lift several recent COVID restrictions, including a requirement to isolate itself after a positive COVID-19 test.
Restrictions will end on Thursday, February 24th.
Johnson made the announcement at the House of Commons on Monday.
The changes mean that people who test positive for COVID-19 will no longer be legally obliged to isolate themselves, although the government recommends that they stay at home in the same way that flu patients should stay at home.
Unvaccinated contacts will also not need to isolate themselves.
Free testing at COVID will also be abolished under the new guidelines, as well as the requirement for vaccinated people who come into contact with a positive case to take tests within seven days.
In addition, Johnson said that the tracking of contacts will end, as well as payments to those who are in isolation. From Thursday, the legal obligation of people to notify employers when they are isolated ceases.
From March 24, increased statutory payments for sick leave will be abolished, which means that those who have a positive analysis, can claim only on the fourth day of their absence from work.
From April 1, free testing will end, and the government will no longer recommend COVID certification. However, the NHS app will still show people’s vaccination status for international travel. The government also noted that from this date, they will no longer recommend people to isolate themselves after a positive test, although those who test positive will be “encouraged” to do so.
However, vulnerable people will continue to have access to free tests if they show symptoms. Others will be able to access them if they pay.
The rules apply only to England. Northern Ireland has also reportedly lifted all its restrictions, while Wales remains at “zero level of readiness” and some rules still apply in Scotland.