Public health briefing for the borough of Bury
Remaining Covid-19 rules to be scrapped early?
This would mean that, from 24 February people who test positive for Covid-19 will not legally have to self-isolate.
However, this does not mean Covid-19 has gone away. While case rates are falling, they are still relatively high and could easily go back up again especially if a new variant emerges. Getting vaccinated and having a booster jab are the most important things we can do to protect ourselves and others.
The current rules around self-isolation for people who have a positive lateral flow or PCR test remain in place and, even if the rules do change, we should all continue to take an LFT test before meeting others and keep away from people if you test positive or have symptoms.
It is expected that lateral flow tests will continue to be provided for free beyond the end of February; however, more details are expected towards the end of the month.
As a borough, we will continue to closely monitor the situation but living safely with Covid-19 means we all need to continue with basic good hygiene measures which also help protect against other infectious diseases.
New rules around PCR testing for travel from 11 February
Following the continued decline in Covid-19 cases, from 11 February people who are fully vaccinated will no longer need to take a Covid-19 test either before leaving or after arriving in the UK.
Travellers who are not fully vaccinated, though, will need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before Day 2 after they arrive in the UK. They will not need to quarantine unless the result ofthe PCR test is positive.
Families looking to travel abroad during half-term are advised to check Covid-19 vaccination rules when travelling to EU destinations, as some countries have recently imposed new restrictions or requirements.
In both cases people will need to complete a passenger locator form.
More visitors welcomed at care homes
There is now no limit on the number of visitors allowed into care homes. Self-isolation periods have been cut, and care homes only have to follow outbreak management rules for 14 rather than 28 days.
Visitors should check the rules for each care home before visiting.
England returns to Plan A
All measures under the Government’s Plan B scheme have been lifted. This is due to falling Omicron cases and the continued success of the vaccination and booster campaign.
The Government now advises:
- People are no longer required to work from home.
- People will no longer need proof of vaccination or a recent negative test to enter nightclubs or large venues, but businesses may still use the NHS Covid Pass if they wish.
- It will no longer be compulsory to wear face coverings in public spaces or on public transport,
- although public health guidance advises people to wear face coverings in crowded or enclosed spaces.
- High school students will no longer need to wear face masks in corridors or other communal areas, although schools are still able to introduce this if they have high case numbers or outbreaks.
- People are encouraged to continue wearing face coverings in healthcare settings such as community pharmacies and GP surgeries.
The Government is still urging eligible people to get two vaccinations and a booster jab. If someone feels unwell, they are encouraged to get a Covid-19 test.
It is important to remember that, although the situation is improving, Covid-19 is not over and the basic ‘Hands, Face, Space, and Air’ measures that we can all take are still very important in protecting each other, alongside making sure you are fully vaccinated.
Changes to lateral flow testing
People who receive positive lateral flow (LFT) test results for coronavirus (Covid-19) are required to self-isolate immediately but are no longer required to take a confirmatory PCR test. It is important that anyone with a positive LFT registers their result following the instructions provided with the test kit.
People who may require financial support to self-isolate, however, will need to get a confirmatory PCR test (see further information below). Anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus should still book a PCR test.
