All Covid Restrictions In England Set To Be Removed By End Of Next Week

All Covid-19 restrictions in England are set to be removed next week as Boris Johnson will be introducing his 'Living with Covid plan'.

This will include Covid self-isolation rules as Brits may no longer have to stay at home for long periods if they test positive for the virus, reports ITV.

The current rules in England are, if you test positive or catch symptoms, you have to self-isolate for ten days.

Those who are fully vaccinated are able to end isolation early if they get two negative lateral flow tests on day five and six.

In Scotland and Wales, however, those who test positive must isolate for seven full days from when symptoms appear or a positive test is returned.

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Ahead of his new plan, Johnson said: “Covid will not suddenly disappear, and we need to learn to live with this virus and continue to protect ourselves without restricting our freedoms. 

"We’ve built up strong protections against this virus over the past two years through the vaccine rollouts, tests, new treatments, and the best scientific understanding of what this virus can do.

“Thanks to our successful vaccination programme and the sheer magnitude of people who have come forward to be jabbed we are now in a position to set out our plan for living with Covid this week.”

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However, Labour have taken their stance and have warned the government against 'declaring victory before the war is over in an attempt to distract from the police knocking at his door', which is referring to the highly controversial investigation into numerous Downing Street parties that were held during the lockdown.

West Streeting, Shadow Health Secretary, added: "Labour doesn’t want to see restrictions in place any longer than they need to be.

"The government should publish the evidence behind this decision, so the public can have faith that it is being made in the national interest.

"Now is not the time to start charging for tests or weaken sick pay, when people are still being asked to behave responsibly.

"Labour's plan for learning to live well with Covid would prepare for new variants and secure our lives, livelihoods and liberties."

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Last month, the Prime Minister said: "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 24th March, at which point I very much expect not to renew them.

"Indeed were the data to allow, I would like to seek a vote in this House to bring that date forwards."

As per Whitehall officials, ministers believe it's too costly to keep free mass testing, yet that some element of free testing could remain.