Honiton: On Thursday, remaining Covid-19 restrictions will come to an end

Yesterday the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced major changes to the current Covid-19 regulations, as part of the government's 'living with Covid-19' plan, and it means you won't have to self-isolate anymore.

Johnson told the House of Commons: "We will remove all remaining domestic restrictions in law."

The Prime Minister stated that, regarding the UK's management of Covid-19, we were now in a time of 'personal responsibility' rather than government prescription and legislation.

He added that due to high vaccine take up, widespread immunity among the population and new treatments, the UK was in a strong position to protect itself against the impacts of Covid-19.

He suggested that people can treat Covid-19 much like they would flu, with 'consideration' for others.

As well as the end to self-isolation, from April 1, only the most vulnerable will be able to access free test, which prompted the Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey to suggest the poorest people will now have to choose between paying for their weekly shop or buying a Covid-19 test.

[H2]Here is an outline of the changes: [H2]

From yesterday:

Legislation on testing in education and childcare settings to be removed, in most settings.

From Thursday:

The legal requirement for adults and children to self-isolate after testing positive for Covid-19 is removed, although it is encouraged.

Vaccinated contacts of positive cases will no longer need to test for seven days and unvaccinated close contacts of a positive case are no longer required to self-isolate.

Contact tracing will no longer take place.

From 24 March:

Covid-19 provisions attached to statutory sick pay will be removed and guidance on workplace safety will be updated.

From 1 April:

Only the most vulnerable will received free testing, with the government expecting the cost of a box of seven lateral flow tests to settle at around £20. Covid-19 status certificates will no longer be recommended.