What can you do in England now that Plan B has been lifted?
The government's COVID-19 winter plan ends today
Last updated 27th May 2022
Today sees the end of the government's plan to combat the coronavirus throughout the course of winter.
In order to stem the spread of the Omicron variant in England, ministers backed the introduction of a tougher set of restrictions on people.
Throughout December, face coverings were made mandatory and people were told to work from home to stop Covid from spreading.
But while the limits on gatherings were brought in to stop the spread, the UK saw its highest daily reported number of cases since the pandemic began.
Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the go-ahead to lift the restrictions from today (January 27th), with life set to return to normal for many people.
Other restrictions on movement, including the need to take a test to enter the UK from abroad are also due to end for fully vaccinated travellers by mid-February.
This is what you can do from today:
Face coverings scrapped in schools
The mandatory wearing of face coverings in schools has already ended, having been lifted last Thursday (January 20th). As a result, teachers and pupils no longer need to wear face coverings in communal areas such as in corridors and form rooms. Local directors of public health can temporarily reintroduce the mandate if the concern to public health is strong.
Face coverings no longer mandatory
It's not just schools where face coverings are no longer needed in England. Plan B introduced face coverings in any indoor setting, including shops, transport and other leisure areas like cinemas. This advice is now lifted, meaning you no longer need to wear a face covering anywhere in England. However, public health advice will continue to recommend you wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces.
NHS Covid Pass made voluntary
The need to show proof of vaccination to get into indoor spaces such as pubs, bars and restaurants is also ending today. From now on, you no longer need to show your NHS Covid Pass to show you are fully jabbed. However, many establishments might continue to insist you to show the Pass, even though it is no longer a legal requirement.
Work from home mandate ended
If you were told you had to work from home during Plan B, you will soon be back at work in the office, as the order to work from home ends today. This advice was made to stem the spread of the virus throughout the course of Christmas and the New Year in order to stop the spread of Covid; now that the festive season is over, the government has deemed it safe to get back into the workplace.
Masks still needed in healthcare settings
Infection prevention control guidance continues to require face coverings be worn in health and care settings, including primary care and pharmacies;
Self isolation still needed
It is still a legal requirement for those with COVID-19 to self-isolate for 10 days with the option to end self-isolation after 5 full days following two negative LFD tests.