On the 25th of March 2020 the Coronavirus Act came into effect, giving the government additional powers to counter the covid pandemic. Now, exactly 2 years on, most of the temporary provisions detailed by the act have expired.
Some worry that the lifting of the provisions may be premature with case numbers, hospitalisations, and deaths once again increasing to near-record levels, although still lower than the peak in January.
The temporary provisions included in the act were:
- Temporary registration of health and social care professionals
- Continuing Care Assessments for those discharged from hospital
- Registration of stillbirths
- Authorisation of cremations
- Appointing temporary Judicial Commissioners under the Investigatory Powers Act
- Continuity of educational and childcare provision
- Statutory Sick Pay
- Pension arrangements for temporarily re-registered health and social care professionals
- Powers to suspend port operations
- The transportation and storage of dead bodies
- State aid quotas
- Setting longer notice periods for evictions from residential and business tenancies
Various provisions and the decision about whether to extend them are allocated to the devolved administrations.
Following are the rules that will remain in place throughout the UK.
England
It will no longer be legally required to self-isolate after a positive covid test, although it is still advised to do so.
Masks are no longer required in most public spaces, although they remain a requirement in health settings like hospitals and care homes.
From April 1st LFTs will no longer be free except for certain vulnerable groups.
Wales
It will no longer be legally required to self-isolate after a positive covid test, although it is still advised to do so.
From the 28th masks will no longer be required in most public spaces, although they will remain a requirement in health settings like hospitals and care homes.
Free lateral flow tests will remain available for those with symptoms until the end of June.
Scotland
Masks are still required on public transport and public indoor settings, although these rules will be reviewed before the 2nd of April.
Free LFTs will be available until the end of April after which people with symptoms will no longer be required to test.
Northern Ireland
It is still advised to wear masks in health settings, but not legally required.
All other restrictions have been raised in Northern Ireland.
