What are the Covid rules in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
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Image source, Reuters
Covid rules are being relaxed across the UK.
Restrictions have eased in England, Scotland and Wales.
What are the rules in England?
The few measures left in England include:
- people who develop Covid symptoms or test positive must self-isolate for 10 days (or five full days following two negative lateral flow test results)
- venues can choose to ask people to show an NHS Covid Pass
- face coverings are still required in health and care settings, including hospitals, GP surgeries and pharmacies
- some shops have asked customers to keep wearing face coverings and they are required on public transport in London
- in some circumstances, local authorities can recommend face coverings in the communal areas of schools
Guidance to work from home has ended and care homes no longer have any limit on visitor numbers.
What's changing in Scotland?
Remaining restrictions include:
- shops and businesses need to take measures to limit the spread of Covid
- face coverings are compulsory on public transport and most indoor spaces, including shops and secondary schools
- a Covid certification scheme is in place for venues including nightclubs, meaning people must provide proof of their vaccination status or a recent negative test
- A 2m distancing rule remains in healthcare settings such as hospitals, doctors' surgeries and dentists
Anyone who had their second dose more than four months ago must also have received a booster to be considered fully vaccinated.
Work from home advice has ended, although the government wants some staff to continue working remotely.
What's happening in Wales?
A gradual easing of Covid restrictions is under way but some measures remain in place:
- 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 are the rules in Northern Ireland?
Measures still in place include:
- no more than 30 people can meet in a home
- face coverings compulsory in shops, indoor-seated venues and visitor attractions, public transport and some other settings
- proof of Covid status remains in place for nightclubs, indoor unseated and partially-seated events with 500 or more people
- post-primary pupils must wear a face covering inside school buildings, as well as on school transport, and staff are encouraged to wear masks in school areas where they can't socially distance