Barbara Keeley Former Labour Member of Parliament for Worsley & Eccles South
England has now moved to Step 4 its roadmap, the step-by-step plan to ease COVID restrictions. Most legal restrictions on individuals and businesses have now been lifted. This means that:
- You do not need to stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with. There are also no limits on the number of people you can meet.
- The Government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can.
- The requirement in law to wear face coverings has been lifted. However, the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has announced that passengers on Metrolink will have to continue to wear a face covering, unless they are exempt, to provide reassurance and protect the most vulnerable.
- There are no longer limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, civil partnerships, funerals and other life events (including receptions and celebrations). There is no requirement for table service at life events, or restrictions on singing or dancing.
- There are no longer restrictions on group sizes for attending communal worship.
Self-isolation exemptions if you are fully vaccinated
You are not required to self-isolate if you live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:
- you’re fully vaccinated
- you’re below the age of 18 years and 6 months
- you’ve taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
- you’re not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons
Although most legal restrictions have now been lifted, the pandemic is not over. Cases remain high in Salford and across the country. Step 4 does not mark the end of the need for caution and restraint. While cases are high, it is crucial for everybody to act carefully. It’s important to:
- get a test if you develop COVID-19 symptoms, even if your symptoms are mild
- isolate if you test positive for COVID-19 or when told to do so by NHS Test and Trace
- meet others outside or let fresh air in
- minimise the number, proximity and duration of social contacts
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