Boris Johnson has announced that he hopes to scrap remaining coronavirus restrictions, including mandatory isolation, in England by the end of February.
The current domestic restrictions are due to expire on 24 March, but the prime minister told MPs in the House of Commons today that he expected to lift them a month early if “the current encouraging trends in the data continue”.
As the announcement was being made the Daily Mirror published a photo of the Prime Minister standing next to a bottle of bubbly alongside staff.
The photo was taken on 15 December 2020 – while Covid restrictions were in place – during a No 10 “virtual” Christmas quiz.
The gathering was not one of those being investigated by police but they have since announced that they will review their decision in the light of the photo
The scrapping of remaining restrictions means that the legal requirement for those who test positive for Covid-19 to isolate for at least five days will end and be replaced by government “guidance”, which will encourage people to stay at home.
But there will be “no legal requirements backed up with fines of up to £10,000” forcing people to stay at home if they become infected.
Johnson said he would outline the government’s strategy for living with Covid when Parliament returns from recess on 21 February.
Downing Street sources told the BBC that there could also be an update on the remaining travel rules when Johnson sets out his strategy later in the month.
