Government ends Coronavirus restrictions

The Prime Minister this week announced the end to Coronavirus restrictions in England. The Prime Minister also ended access to free testing.

From Thursday people who test positive for Coronavirus will no longer be legally required to self-isolate but will still be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days. The Government has scrapped the £500 self-isolation support payment for those on low incomes who test positive and routine contact tracing will end.

From 1st April free mass symptomatic and asymptomatic testing will end, there will still be some targeted testing for the most vulnerable and the Government are asking people to take personal responsibility when deciding to stay at home if they have Coronavirus symptoms.

It is estimated that 16,039 people in Bedford Borough take regular COVID tests, with 28,411 tests being taken in an average week. This includes people who take tests to protect their elderly relatives and friends, or vulnerable workers who work in people-facing industries such as hospitality and are concerned about their health.

It is expected that lateral flow tests will cost around £5.80 each, so if people are testing twice a week that adds up to £534 a year. You can read more about the end to testing here.

Despite the end to the restrictions I would like to urge everyone to continue to be cautious as Coronavirus is still present in our communities. The Office for National Statistics infection figures last week estimated that one in 20 people in England had Coronavirus. I would also urge everyone who hasn't yet had their vaccinations and/or booster yet to do so.