Latest Update on Covid Restrictions – 4th March 2022

As you know, the Government published its plan for “living with Covid-19” in England (the “Living with Covid Plan”), under which the last remaining domestic restrictions, including the legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive Covid-19 test or as an unvaccinated contact of someone with Covid-19, will be dropped.

Having taken some time to review the changes and whilst there is no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate, the government is still recommending that anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 should stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least 5 days until they have two negative test results on consecutive days. For this reason the business has decided to continue to follow the Government recommendations for Positive Covid-19 test results and we ask that you support this to ensure that we do not spread the virus to our colleagues, detailed below.

Do I still need to wear a mask?

• You are no longer required to wear a face mask; however, you are free to continue to wear a face mask if you so wish.

What are the changes if I test positive for Covid-19?

• Individuals who test positive for Covid-19 will no longer be legally required too self-isolate. However, for the time being, Government guidance will remain in place encouraging you to remain at home and avoid contact with others, the business will follow the government guidance and update this if further changes come into place.
• Under this guidance, you can take an LFD test after five days, followed by another the next day. If both tests are negative and you do not have a high temperature, may return to their normal routine. LFD Tests are still free until 1st April, you can also obtain a postal PCR test.
• Routine tracing of contacts of positive cases will cease. Those who test positive for Covid-19 are encouraged to inform their close contacts.

What are the changes if I am not vaccinated?

• Individuals who are not fully vaccinated, and who are close contacts of someone with confirmed Covid-19, will no longer be legally required too self-isolate.

Thank you for your continued vigilance during this time as we transition to the Government’s aim of Living with Covid and navigate through the recommended guidelines.

We will keep you updated with any further changes as they occur, in the meantime, Keep Safe and Well everybody.