Face mask rules and COVID-19 passes end in England, care home restrictions ease
pharmafile | January 27, 2022 | News story | Business Services |
The government has announced that there will be no limit on the number of visitors to care homes in England. The news comes as face coverings and COVID-19 passes are no longer legally required in England, following restrictions imposed by Plan B being dropped, on 26 January.
Organisations will be able to choose if they require COVID-19 passes from visitors to their venues, and some shops have shared that they will continue to request customers wear face coverings. Rail operators have additionally shared that passengers are still expected to wear face coverings.
There will also be no limit on the number of visitors allowed at care homes, while self-isolation periods will be cut. Care homes will additionally only have to follow outbreak management for 14 days, one half of the previous time of 28 days.
UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid commented: “I know how vital companionship is to those living in care homes and the positive difference visits make.”
The Department of Health said the changes followed a review of data, including infections, vaccine efficacy, and the pressures of COVID-19 on the NHS. The Department also cited workforce absences, public behaviours, and views from the scientific community, supporting the decision.
“Our vaccines, testing and antivirals ensure we have some of the strongest defences in Europe and are allowing us to cautiously return to Plan A, restoring more freedoms to this country,” Javid shared. “As we learn to live with COVID-19, we need to be clear-eyed that this virus is not going away, so if you haven’t already, please come forward for your first, second or booster jab.”
Infection rates continue to remain high, with 102,292 cases reported on Wednesday. The total number of UK COVID-19 deaths stands at almost 155,000.
Ana Ovey
