End of COVID-19 in the UK?
The UK will be one of the first major economies to demonstrate to the world a transition from pandemic to endemic, learning to leave with COVID -19. This statement was made by Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi after studies showed the Omicron variant is less likely to result in people being hospitalised.
Boris Johnson's spokesman said it is "probably too early to say" if COVID is endemic in the UK yet. But he said it is "certainly our expectation that at some point that is where we will get to".
Only 5 days of self-isolantion
From Monday, January 17th, people who test positive for Covid can now end self-isolation after 5 days, if two negative lateral flow tests (LFT) results on the 4th and the 5th day. Currently across the UK, the minimum self-insulation is 7 days, instead of the previous 10.
While case rates remain high, people without Covid symptoms who have a positive LFT don't need to take a PCR test to confirm their status.
In addition, children and fully vaccinated adults no longer need to take a pre-departure test before travelling to the UK and can now take an LFT instead of a PCR on arrival.
Before you travel to England
All visitors must complete a Passenger Locator Form before departure.
Fully vaccinated, must book either a Lateral Flow test or a PCR test up to 2 days of their arraval. If you’re in England for less than 2 days, you still need to get a day 2 COVID test.
Not-fully vacinated must quarantine for 10 days and book Day 2 and Day 8 PCR tests.
End of mass vaccination?
Mass Covid testing and vaccination should be ended for all but the most vulnerable after the booster campaign said the former chairman of Britain’s vaccine taskforce Dr Clive Dix.
He believes with a "much milder variant", it would be pointless to give more jabs to people who are not likely to fall seriously ill with COVID.
Covid-19 should instead be treated like flu or a heavy cold among younger people who have been fully jabbed.