In England, Plan B will continue for a further three weeks. Rules such as work from home where possible will continue as well as wearing face coverings on public transport and most public indoor places. People are still advised to take a COVID test before going to high-risk settings or meeting the elderly or vulnerable.
The UK Government has also announced the following re international travel:
From 4am Friday 7 January:
- If you qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England, and you will arrive in England after 4am, Friday 7 January, you do not need to:
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- take a COVID-19 test before you travel to England
- quarantine when you arrive in England
From 4am Sunday 9 January:
- If you qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England, and you will arrive in England after 4am, Sunday 9 January, you can choose to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR test after you arrive in England.
- If you take a lateral flow test and test positive, you will need to self-isolate and take a free confirmatory PCR test.
- You must book the test before you travel to England. You can book lateral flow tests from 4am Friday 7 January.
- You cannot use a lateral flow test until after 4am, Sunday 9 January. Before 4am Sunday 9 January, you must use a PCR test after arrival.
The fully vaccinated rules also apply to children aged 17 and under, people taking part in an approved vaccine trial, and people who are unable to have a vaccination due to medical reasons.
Read more about who qualifies as fully vaccinated.
If you arrive in England before 4am, 7 January, you must follow the current rules for fully vaccinated people.
The rules for people who do not qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England will remain the same.
Please see the latest guidance on travel to England from another country for the full details. The Prime Minister’s statement is available here.
In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced:
- People who test positive for COVID will be allowed to exit self-isolation after seven days if they have no fever and record two negative lateral flow tests.
- Household contacts of people with the virus will be allowed to take tests rather than going into quarantine if they have had the booster shot.
- Expected that restrictions on large gatherings and the requirement for physical distancing and table service in hospitality venues will continue until 17 January at the earliest.
See the latest news on self-isolation and testing changes in Scotland.
Source: TIER/ BVEP
Photo by Camila Perez on Unsplash