You are advised to stay at home if you have a cough or cold under new guidance issued by the Government as free testing ends.
England moves to its "Living with Covid" strategy on Friday April 1. As well as an end to free covid tests for all, it brings in changes to guidance for people who have Covid-19 or symptoms, and the Government will no longer advise venues to use the NHS Covid Pass.
Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: "As we learn to live with Covid, we are focusing our testing provision on those at higher risk of serious outcomes from the virus, while encouraging people to keep following simple steps to help keep themselves and others safe.
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"The pandemic is not over and how the virus will develop over time remains uncertain. Covid still poses a real risk to many of us, particularly with case rates and hospitalisations on the rise. That is why it is sensible to wear a mask in enclosed spaces, keep indoor spaces ventilated and stay away from others if you have any symptoms of a respiratory illness, including Covid.
"Vaccination remains the best way to protect us all from severe disease and hospitalisation due to Covid infection. If you have not yet come forward for your primary or booster I would urge you to do so straight away – the NHS vaccine programme is there to help you and the sooner you are vaccinated the sooner you and your family and friends will be protected."
How Covid-19 rules change from April 1 to Living with Covid plan
Most of the major changes to how we live our lives under Covid were made in February, when the legal requirement to self-isolate if you have Covid-19 ended in England. The requirement to wear a face-covering in England was removed for most settings in February, and the requirement for care home and NHS staff to be vaccinated ended in March.
But further changes and relaxations kick in from Friday April 1. The end of free testing is arguably the biggest
Testing
From Friday April 1, the Government will no longer provide free Covid-19 testing for the public. Care and health sector staff will still be tested when they develop symptoms or when there are high covid rates in their area. Covid-19 tests are still available to buy.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says: "The Government will help enable Covid-19 tests to be made available for those who wish to purchase them through the private market. Private markets are established in many European countries - including France, Germany, Italy and Spain - and the United States of America. The Government is working with retailers and pharmacies to help establish the private market in testing."
Isolation advice changes if you get Covid-19 or have symptoms
The legal requirement to self-isolate after a positive Covid-19 test in England ended on February 24.
But ministers have issued fresh guidance to people who feel unwell as well as those who test positive for the virus.
From today, people who have a positive Covid-19 test are being advised to “try to” stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days, which is when they are most infectious.
Those who are positive, or have symptoms, and need to leave home will be urged to wear masks, avoid crowded places and stay away from people with weakened immune systems.
Children who are unwell and have a high temperature are being advised to stay home and avoid contact with other people where they can.
They can go back to school, college or childcare when they no longer have a high temperature and they are well enough to attend, the Government said.
Covid Pass
It has not been mandatory since January 27 for large venues in England to ask for Covid Passes on entry. Since then, the Government has advised, but not forced, some venues to use it. But from April 1, the Government no longer recommends Covid Pass are used to enter venues.
"The NHS COVID Pass will remain available within the NHS App for a limited period, to support the use of certification in other parts of the UK," adds the Government
"The NHS App will continue to allow individuals access to their vaccination status for international travel, as well as their recovery status for travel to those overseas destinations that recognise it."
Changes to work guidance
The way employers deal with Covid-19 will also changes from April 1. Covid-19 does not need to be considered in risk assessments, and new public health guidance replaces the "Working Safely" guidance issued during the pandemic.
"Employers that specifically work with Covid-19, such as laboratories, must continue to undertake a risk assessment that considers Covid-19," the Government adds, along with: "Employers should continue to consider the needs of employees at greater risk from Covid-19, including those whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious illness from Covid-19. The Government will consult with employers and businesses to ensure guidance continues to support them to manage the risk of Covid-19 in workplaces."
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