The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has this afternoon confirmed some changes to COVID-19 rules in England regarding Plan B, PCR tests and international travel.
PLAN B
It was announced due to increasing hospitalisations and case rates rapidly rising among the older and more vulnerable, Plan B measures will remain in place for at least the next three weeks.
People in England should carry on working from home whenever they can, wear face coverings on public transport and in most indoor public places, and take a test before going to high risk venues or meeting the elderly or vulnerable.
There will be a further review before the regulations expire on 26th January.
TESTING
Changes have been made to testing in England and it's been confirmed that if you test positive on a lateral flow test from 11th January you will not need to take a confirmatory PCR. You should report your result on GOV.UK 🖱️
Lateral flow tests should be used for people without symptoms. If you do have symptoms you should self-isolate and book a PCR test.
More information can be found on the testing changes here: https://t.co/yzbiMAUmNL
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Fully vaccinated and and passengers under 18 years old will no longer need to take a pre-departure test before returning to England after 4am on Friday 7th January.
They will also no longer need to self-isolate while waiting for post-arrival results (after 4am on 7th January) and can take a day two lateral flow test instead of a PCR (after 4am on 9th January).
Free NHS kits cannot be used for post-arrival lateral flow testsIf your post-arrival lateral flow tests is positive you should then take a free NHS PCR test.