COVID-19: Boris Johnson set to announce easing of Plan B restrictions in England

The prime minister will go through the latest COVID-19 data on Wednesday morning with his ministers, before making a statement to MPs.

What are the current rules and what could go?

Plan B restrictions, which were introduced before Christmas amid the spread of the Omicron variant, include guidance to work from home, COVID passes and mandatory masks in shops and on public transport.

They are due to expire on 26 January.

According to reports, the PM could opt to retain the mask-wearing requirement while scrapping the work from home guidance and COVID passes.

More later … :069:

Its about a year too late.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-60046073

12:50

What does the end of Plan B mean?

Plan B measures in England from Thursday 27 January, but what does this mean?

  • The end of mandatory Covid passes in England, with businesses allowed to use them if they choose
  • Mandatory face masks will end, including in classrooms for secondary students and on public transport - meaning people will not be criminalised for choosing not to wear them
  • The end to work-from-home guidance
  • Restrictions on care homes will be eased, with detail to be released
  • However, there will still be a legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid

While making the statement, Boris Johnson says the decisions reflect the government’s intention to trust the British people to make the right choices.

See also:

The PM said England was reverting to “Plan A” due to boosters and how people had followed Plan B measures. He told MPs scientists believed the Omicron wave had peaked nationally.

At a Downing Street press conference, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “This is a moment we can all be proud of. It’s a reminder of what this country can accomplish when we all work together.”

But, he said, this should not be seen as the “finish line” because the virus and future variants cannot be eradicated - instead “we must learn to live with Covid in the same way we live with flu”. He urged people to continuing taking steps to keep the virus at bay, including hand washing, ventilating rooms and self-isolating if positive - and pressed those who were unvaccinated to come forward to get their jabs.

Earlier, in a statement to MPs in the House of Commons, the prime minister said:

  • Mandatory Covid passports for entering nightclubs and large events would end, though organisations could choose to use the NHS Covid pass if they wished

  • People would no longer be advised to work from home and should discuss their return to offices with employers

  • Face masks will no longer be mandated, though people are still advised to wear coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces and when meeting strangers

  • From Thursday, secondary school pupils will no longer have to wear face masks in classrooms and government guidance on their use in communal areas would be removed “shortly”

Further announcements on the easing of travel rules and restrictions on care home visits in England are expected in the coming days, Boris Johnson added.

The prime minister also said the government intended to end the legal requirement for people who test positive for Covid to self-isolate - and replace it with advice and guidance.

The current regulations around self-isolation expire on 24 March. Mr Johnson said he expected not to renew them then - and suggested that date could be brought forward if the data allows.

Sooner we all get back to normal the better.

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