Here Are The Important Covid Rule Changes That Come Into Effect Today

Earlier this month, the government announced a series of upcoming changes regarding Covid rules and restrictions. Today, a number of them have come into effect.

Since last year's strict implementation of restrictions designed to encourage social distancing and curb the spread of the virus, rules have gradually been eased, and major changes have now come into effect today, January 27.

Hospitalisations and cases of Covid are said to be falling, with prime minister Boris Johnson telling the Commons last week, 'our scientists believe it is likely the Omicron wave has now peaked nationally' thanks to the booster campaign and the Plan B measures that were implemented.

Living with someone who's got COVID doesn't guarantee you'll catch it too. (Alamy)

'We will set out our long-term strategy for living with Covid-19, explaining how we hope and intend to protect our liberty and avoid restrictions in future by relying instead on medical advances – especially the vaccines which have already saved so many lives. But to make that possible, we must all remain cautious during these last weeks of winter,' Johnson added, per The Sun.

The measures being lifted or altered today include face masks, Covid passes, and travel restrictions.

Face masks: People are still advised to wear face masks in busy areas or on public transport, while some supermarkets are asking customers to continue to wear them. Face masks are now not compulsory in shops, post offices, banks, beauty salons, hairdressers, theatres and cinemas, though individual premises may request you wear one.

Covid Passes: otherwise known as vaccine passports, you no longer have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter large venues, such as football stadiums, nightclubs or concert venues.

Office Working: last week, January 21, Brits were told they were resume working in offices rather than having to work from home. 'High levels of home working have played a very important role in preventing sustained epidemic growth,' the government said, though it is now looking to boost the economy by encouraging a return to offices and, subsequently, city and town centres.

Covid-19 particles were detected in restaurants (Alamy)

Further restrictions are set to be relaxed in the coming weeks and months.

Travel: Covid tests for travellers and holidaymakers are said to be scrapped from February 11, as transport secretary Grant Shapps said those who have been double jabbed will only need to fill in a Passenger Locator Form when entering the UK.

Care Homes: Limits on the number of people allowed to visit care homes are set to be scrapped from January 31. Care homes will also only have to adhere to outbreak management rules for 14 days, rather than the current 28 days. Isolation periods for those who test positive, and those in care following an emergency hospital visit, will also be reduced.

Isolation: current rules on isolation after a positive test are due to finish on March 24. At the moment, anyone who has tested positive for Covid must quarantine for least five full days, and this is not changing just yet. Isolation can end if you have two negative lateral flow tests on days five and six. If you come into contact with someone with Covid, but remain to test negative, you don't have to isolate. While unvaccinated people who have been in close contact with someone with Covid must quarantine for 10 days.

If you’ve been affected by coronavirus and want up to date advice, visit the Gov.uk help page here. If you need medical help call NHS 111 or visit online