Marion Bae, FISM News
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Jan. 26th will mark a turning point in the pandemic and hopefully facilitate the return to normalcy for the British people, as more COVID regulations are set to expire.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Wednesday that the COVID-19 Plan B policies would be rescinded next week. Plan B was announced on Dec. 8th, due to the Omicron surge in England, though some speculate it was enforced as a political move to distract from a scandal the Prime Minister was involved with.
Plan B included mask mandates for most indoor venues, requirement of an NHS Covid Pass for some larger venues, and encouraging employees to work from home when possible. These policies were set to expire on Jan. 26th, with Boris’ recent announcement confirming this is still the case.
In his statement Boris said, “…having looked at the data carefully, the Cabinet concluded that once regulations lapse, the government will no longer mandate the wearing of face masks anywhere.” He added, “In the country at large, we will continue to suggest the use of face coverings in enclosed or crowded places, particularly where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet.
“But we will trust the judgement of the British people and no longer criminalize anyone who chooses not to wear one.”
Though government mask mandates can be considered mostly a thing of the past, Boris notes that the self-isolation requirement for COVID-positive people is still in effect. The requirement was recently changed to be 5 days of isolation with two negative tests.
This being the case, Boris also acknowledges that COVID is becoming endemic, saying, “And there will soon come a time when we can remove the legal requirement to self-isolate altogether – just as we don’t place legal obligations on people to isolate if they have flu.”
The self-isolation requirement in England is set to expire on Mar. 24th, and the Prime Minister expressed that he has no intention to renew them. He added that depending on the data he may ask for the policy to be lifted sooner.
In his opening remarks he praised the NHS and the booster program, saying that they were the first European country to have half of its population boosted, including 90 percent of individuals 60 years and older. In closing, his remarks pushed the booster shots, telling the other members of the House to “do everything possible to encourage any remaining constituents who have not done so – to get boosted now.”
He also praises the British government for not enforcing stricter regulations over the winter, allowing people to live their lives and, in return, growing the economy. His speech was delivered with audible cheers from the House, indicating that many are ready to see these measures come to an end.