Living with Covid restrictions feels a bit like normality as it reaches nearly two years since the beginning of the pandemic.
Throughout that time, there have often been some differences between the rules in place across the UK's four nations.
Scotland continues to have 'baseline' Covid restrictions as tighter rules introduced to address Omicron have since been lifted.
However, Nicola Sturgeon said the most recent Covid data is giving the Scottish Government "grounds for optimism" as Scotland continues to make its way towards restriction-free living for the first time in almost two years.
Here are all the rules currently in place in Scotland as well as the differing regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Scotland Covid restrictions
The Scottish Government has lifted many of the coronavirus restrictions with 'baseline' measures the only rules remaining.
The most recent update confirmed that secondary school pupils will no longer be required to wear face coverings in classrooms from February 28.
Measures imposed to tackle the Omicron surge at the end of last year have also been lifted.
For example, groups no longer need to socially distancing when attending pubs and restaurants, table service is not required and nightclubs are able to reopen.
Restrictions on both indoor and outdoor events have also been lifted.
Work from home rules have ended but the Scottish Government is still advising staff to work from home in some cases.
Many work places are now operating under 'hybrid' models where workers split their time between office and home-based working.
Restrictions still in place in Scotland include:
- Shops and businesses must take measure to limit the risk of Covid spreading - eg limit numbers, distancing
- Face coverings on public transport and most indoor spaces (rules in schools continue until February 28)
- Covid verification for entry to nightclubs (proof of vaccination or negative test)
- 2m distancing rules in healthcare settings such as hospitals, GP surgeries, dentists and pharmacies
What are the current rules in England?
Current Covid restrictions are due to expire in England on March 24.
This means the requirement for people to self-isolate if they have Covid symptoms or test positive would no longer apply.
However, the Prime Minister said that rules may be lifted sooner if the data allows.
Boris Johnson said that the government would outline its new strategy when parliament returns from recess on February 21, and would expect to lift the rules later that week.
There are not many rules left in place as guidance on working from home as well as limits on care home visiting numbers has ended.
The limited measures left in England include:
- Those who test positive or have symptoms must isolate for 10 days (or five days following two negative lateral flow tests)
- NHS Covid passes are optional for venues
- Face coverings are required in health and care settings such as hospitals, GP surgeries and pharmacies
- Shops reserve the right to ask customers to wear face coverings
- Face coverings are required on public transport in London
- Face covering requirements in some school communal areas - local authorities discretion
Covid rules in Wales
Covid passes are being scrapped in Wales, and within weeks people will no longer need to wear masks in most indoor public places.
In Wales, Covid passes will no longer be required from next Friday, February 18.
Ten days later on February 28, people will no longer need to wear face coverings in most indoor places.
After that, masks will still be required in some shops, health and car facilities and on public transport.
If cases continue to fall, the Welsh Government hopes to life all face covering rules by the end of March.
Schools will be able to make their own decisions on face masks from February 28.
However, until then, some measures remain in place, including:
- NHS Covid Pass needed for entry to cinemas, theatres and concert halls, and many events
- compulsory face coverings in schools, on public transport, and in shops and hospitals
- secondary school pupils are asked to test for Covid three times a week
What restrictions remain in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland's Covid rules are no longer legally binding.
The legal requirements put in place to protect against coronavirus are no longer enforceable by law in NI as of 5PM yesterday - Tuesday, February 15.
This means that the previous rules such as the need for Covid certification in nightclubs, face coverings, track and trace requirements and the 30 person cap in private homes are no longer in place.
Even the need to isolate following a positive test is no longer law.
Northern Ireland's Health Minister, Robin Swann, said that such measures will now apply as "guidance" to the public with people urged to remain cautious.
He warned Covid-19 had not gone away and remained a threat.
Northern Ireland's chief scientific adviser Professor Ian Young said a milestone had been reached but added that it was "not freedom day".
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