What are the new Covid rules in England?

Face masks are no longer required in public spaces across England.

Last week, the Government announced England’s coronavirus rules would be relaxed – and face masks would no longer be compulsory.

So, what are the new Covid restrictions?

From Thursday 27 January:

• Covid passes are no longer compulsory to gain entry to venues and events, including nightclubs, football matches and concerts.
• Face masks are no longer mandatory in public spaces, although they may still be “recommended” in some venues or shops and on public transport.

In addition, from Monday 31 January,  care home restrictions will also be eased.

There will be no limit on the amount of visitors allowed at care home. Previously three people could visit.

Self-isolation periods at the homes will also be reduced. Homes will only have to follow outbreak management rules for 14 days – previously it was four weeks.

The Prime Minister has also said he hopes to scrap mandatory self-isolation for people who test positive for Covid-19. The current regulations expire on 24 March, but he hopes to bring that date forward.

Across the UK, people who test positive for coronavirus can now end self-isolation after five days instead of the previous 10, subject to two negative lateral flow tests (LFT).

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 are no longer required to take a pre-departure test before travelling to the UK and can now take a LFT instead of a PCR on arrival.