Caution: This article relates to England only and does not apply to Scotland.
The UK Government has held a press conference this afternoon announcing plans to lift most of England’s current Covid Restrictions, a significant return to some normality.
Omicron is “in retreat”, Health Secretary Sajid Javid says, with the UK now marking the start of a new chapter in the fight against Covid-19.
Working from home guidance (England) will end today, Wednesday 19th January 2022 and from tomorrow, face masks will no longer be required in any English secondary school classrooms. Indeed face masks will not be compulsory in any public places.
Javid added, “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.”
From next Thursday, masks will not be mandated anywhere and Covid passes will no longer be needed at large events. Whilst this drew cheers from the Tory backbenches, opposition parties and health ministers were being cautious, adding “We’re seeing a reduction in cases, but they’re still incredibly high. Taking out all these measures does feel risky. And if our focus is keeping kids in schools as much as possible, this may result in more disruption to education. I worry the decision has not been made for the right reasons.”
Scotland, like the other devolved nations taking a more cautious approach, is due to make a decision on working from home in early February.
The UK has reported 108,069 new daily Covid cases and 359 deaths with Covid on Wednesday
