The Health Secretary has announced a large-scale relaxation of covid regulations in England, with many starting from Thursday, January 27.
Speaking at a No10 press conference, Sajid Javid said that the government is ending the guidance for working from home, from now.
From next Thursday, mandatory certification will end, and although venues can still choose to use the NHS Covid Pass voluntarily.
Also starting next Thursday, members of the public in England will no longer legally mandate the wearing of face masks.
However, Mr Javid added that the Government suggests they are still worn in enclosed and crowded spaces, he says.
These changes will take effect sooner in classrooms, where face coverings will no longer be required from tomorrow.
The news comes as Covid infection levels are falling in most parts of the UK for the first time since early December.
Self isolation rules for people who have Covid will end on March 24.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said Omicron is “in retreat” but warned that now is not the “finish line” in the fight against coronavirus.
Saying there is a fall in infections and hospital admissions, Mr Javid told a Downing Street press conference: “This plan has worked and the data shows that Omicron is in retreat.”
He described the relaxation of measures as a “major milestone”, adding: “But it’s not the end of the road and we shouldn’t see this as the finish line because we cannot eradicate this virus and its future variants.
“Instead we must learn to live with Covid in the same way we have to live with flu. And we will be setting out our long-term plan for living with Covid-19 this spring.”
