Thursday 27 January 2022

Covid restrictions ~ legal changes ~ need for caution remains

Regulations:

Face-coverings - 

Regs requiring face-coverings expired at the end of 26 January 2022 -

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (England) Regulations 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

Transport for London is continuing to require face coverings - see their Conditions of Carriage - TfL Conditions of Carriage.

It may be that some businesses will continue to ask for face coverings as a condition of entry to their premises.

Entry to venues and events -

Regulations

imposing restrictions on entry to venues and events mostly expired at the end of 26 January 2022. [Note: Regulation 7(7) remains in force]. 

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Entry to Venues and Events) (England) Regulations 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

Self-isolation -

Regulations relating to self-isolation expire at the end of 24 March 2022 - 

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation) (England) Regulations 2020 (legislation.gov.uk)

Guidance:

The government continues to issue Guidance - Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) - including - "You will not be required to wear a face covering, including in communal areas of schools, but the government suggests you continue to wear one in crowded and indoor spaces where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet." [My emphasis].

International travel:

See Upcoming changes to COVID-19 international travel restrictions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Media:

From face mask rules to travel - everything you can and can't do as restrictions change in England (telegraph.co.uk)

BBC News - Covid: Face mask rules and Covid passes end in England

ITV News - These are the Covid restrictions left in England as Plan B comes to an end | ITV News

Data:

According to Government data  shows a downward trend but it cannot be said that the pandemic is over and no such claim has been made by the government. 26 January saw 102,292 new positive tests with 646,796 in the 7 days 20 to 26 January. 346 deaths were recorded on 26 January (i.e. deaths within 28 days of a positive test). 

A variant of Omicron has been identified - Omicron mutation BA.2 declared 'variant under investigation' by health experts but cases remain low | ITV News

27 January 2022


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