- Work from home request ends
- No more mandated face masks
- Self-isolation regulations to end
- Mandatory Covid certification to end
Boris Johnson’s statement to the House of Commons on 19 January 2022 heralds the reduction of restrictions in England and a withdrawal from Plan B. He made the following points:
- The Government supported businesses facing reduced demand due to Plan B.
- Cited ONS data that found that infection levels were falling in England, despite some areas where they may rise.
- Stated that scientists believed the Omicron wave had peaked nationally.
- Outlined that the Cabinet concluded that Plan A could be returned to, with Plan B regulations to expire.
- Confirmed that from Thursday next week, mandatory Covid certification will end, but added that organisations could use it voluntarily.
- Said the Government was no longer asking people to work from home.
- Stated that Cabinet had concluded that once regulations lapse, the Government would no longer mandate the wearing of face masks in England.
- Highlighted that it remained a suggestion to wear face coverings in closed or crowded places, but said the Government would trust the judgement of British people.
- Emphasised that some measures still remained, including the legal requirement for people to self-isolate if testing positive for Covid.
- Confirmed that self-isolation regulations would expire on 24 March, and said he was not expecting to have to renew them.
- Stated that legal requirements would eventually be replaced with advice and guidance.
- Added that he would like to seek a vote in the House to bring the 24 March date forward.
- Referred the Government’s plan for a long-term strategy to live with Covid 19, which included relying on medical advances.
Finally, he urged people to remain cautious during last few weeks of winter.