The UK government is said to be drawing up plans to ditch Covid laws in England from as early as the spring.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is said to be considering a permanent revocation of emergency coronavirus laws he brought in at the start of the pandemic.
The Covid legislation, which is set to expire in a few months’ time, includes the legal obligation for someone infected with Covid to self-isolate – with failure to do so punishable with a fine of up to £10,000.
Other laws set to run out include the requirement for someone to provide the NHS Test and Trace with their address and a list of the members of their household.
The PM – who is scrambling to find ways to repair his tattered reputation – is to refer to recent Omicron variant data before moving to finalise his mooted plans over the coming weeks, with an announcement as early as March, according to The Telegraph and The Guardian.
It comes after The Telegraph reported that Mr Johnson’s government could soon lift the plan B restrictions that were introduced in December.
The restrictions – which expire on 26 January – include advice for people to work from home where possible, the mandatory wearing of face masks on public transport and in many indoor public places, and the requirement to show Covid immunity passes for entry to certain venues.