England is free of the majority of Covid-19 restrictions since July 19, freedom day brought freedom for many yet fear for some. In an unexpected turn of events, the Prime Minister and Chancellor Sunak were critiqued last week because they both came in close contact with Health Secretary Sajid Javid who contracted Covid after a visit to a care home.
Covid vaccine certificates will be required from the end of September to attend nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather in England. Only those who can prove they have been double-jabbed will be allowed into venues, even proof of a negative test would not be acceptable, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday.
This comes as a catalyst to persuade more youngsters aged between 18 and 25 to take the vaccine because they have the lowest take up of jabs. Earlier Dominic Cummings had claimed that Johnson dismissed Covid-19 lockdown as only the elderly would die.
UK chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance also mentioned that “around 60% of those admitted to hospital with Covid are unvaccinated.” He told the briefing: “That’s not surprising because the vaccines are not 100% effective.”
Frontline NHS staff and other key workers will now not need to self-isolate if pinged by the Test and Trace app, as long as they have received two coronavirus vaccine doses. The medical fraternity had mixed reactions to this news because this makes them vulnerable to the virus again.
Face coverings will no longer be required by law, but the government said it "expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport". Some industries and businesses have revealed what their rules will be on requiring face masks, but they will differ across the country.
Ambiguity persisted as the government said that no legal action will be taken if one doesn’t wear a face mask on public transport, however, some public transport operators and mayors have said they will continue to require them. Since the government guidance says masks should be worn "in crowded areas", it would include supermarkets.
“UK Hospitality, which represents the hospitality sector, said businesses will decide what works for them but most have "invested heavily to make their venues Covid-safe so they'll be well-placed to know what measures - if any - are necessary to reduce risk",” Sky reported.
Offices and places where people work are real grey areas under the government guidance, unions have said.
