Under the new guidance, people with respiratory illnesses such as high fever or “feeling unwell” will be encouraged to stay home until they feel well or have a low temperature. However, the legal requirement for self-isolation following a positive Covid-19 test in the UK expired on 24 February and has not been reinstated. However, despite the removal of the legal requirement, those who have a positive Covid test will be encouraged to “try” to stay home and avoid people for five days. The five-day period is when people are most contagious. Read more related articles Read more related articles If those who are positive should leave their home, they will be asked to wear a mask, avoid crowded places and stay away from people with weak immune systems. Children who are not well and have a high temperature are advised to stay home and return to school only when they no longer have a high temperature. The new guidance is part of the government’s Living with Covid plans. Plans will also be updated to indicate that any NHS, social care and asylum-free covid hostel staff will be eligible for free examinations. However, the usual examinations for the residents of the care home and the hostel will no longer continue and will be provided only if there is an outbreak or if a resident is accepted. Visitors to the hospital and care home will not be required to have an examination. Health Minister Sajid Javid said that these patients in hospitals, some people at high risk of serious infection with Covid-19 and those working in high-risk environments would be eligible for free examinations if they had symptoms. The latter group includes NHS staff, social workers and prison staff. The free universal trial is set to end on Friday. Mr Javid said: “Thanks to our plan to tackle Covid, we are at the forefront of learning to live with the virus. We have made tremendous progress, but we will retain the ability to respond to future threats, including possible variations. “Vaccines remain our best defense and we now offer spring breakers to the elderly, caregivers and the most vulnerable – please protect yourself, your family and your community.” The Department of Health and Human Services (DHSC) said it would release information to employers on Friday to reduce Covid-19 risks in the workplace. However, as of Friday, venues and events will no longer be advised to use the NHS Covid pass. Read more related articles Read more related articles
