PRIME minister Boris Johnson intends to set out plans next week to remove self-isolation requirements for people infected with Covid-19, his office said on Saturday (19).
Britain would become the first major European country to allow people who know they are infected with Covid-19 to freely use shops, public transport and go to work - a move many of his health advisers think is risky.
"Covid will not suddenly disappear, and we need to learn to live with this virus and continue to protect ourselves without restricting our freedoms," Johnson said in a statement.
Johnson will also give more details on how Britain will guard against future coronavirus variants through ongoing surveillance, amid reports that the government wants to end free testing and scale back public health studies.
Currently, people in England are legally required to self-isolate for at least five days if instructed to by public health officials and are advised to isolate even without a specific order if they have Covid-19 symptoms or test positive.
Removing the Covid-19 self-isolation legal requirements and replacing them with voluntary guidance would bring the disease in line with how Britain treats most other infections.
Some 85 per cent of Britain's population aged 12 or above have had at least two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, and two-thirds of the population - including the vast majority of those most at risk - have had three.
Britain's death toll of more than 160,000 fatalities within 28 days of infection is the second-highest in Europe after Russia's. Relative to the size of Britain's population, it is 6 per cent higher than the average for the European Union.
Covid-19 restrictions are unpopular with many members of Johnson's Conservative Party, who view them as disproportionate given widespread take-up of vaccines.
"Pharmaceutical interventions, led by the vaccination programme, will continue to be our first line of defence," the government said.
"An awareness of public health guidance should remain, as with all infectious diseases such as flu."
The exercise saw half a dozen F-35Bs from the Royal Navy facing off against a dozen Indian Air Force jets, including eight Su-30s and four Jaguars supported by an Il-78 AWACS aircraft. (Photo: X/@RoyalNavy)
BRITISH and Indian pilots carried out joint air exercises over the Arabian Sea as the UK Carrier Strike Group completed its visit to India.
The group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, ended its stay after a week in Goa and Mumbai with Exercise Konkan, the regular naval drill between the two countries.
The exercise saw half a dozen F-35Bs from the Royal Navy facing off against a dozen Indian Air Force jets, including eight Su-30s and four Jaguars supported by an Il-78 AWACS aircraft.
The mock air battles tested the pilots’ individual skills, weapons systems, sensors, and tactics against aircraft not usually encountered.
The Carrier Air Wing also operated alongside the Indian Navy’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, gaining experience on joint carrier operations.
Commodore Blackmore, COMCSG, said: “It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside our colleagues in the Indian Navy and Air Force during Exercise Konkan. The professionalism and camaraderie we’ve shared are a testament to the enduring strength of our partnership. Our time in Mumbai and Goa has been truly memorable – both vibrant and welcoming, rich in history, tradition and culture.”
Lieutenant Daniel Randel, a staff officer aboard HMS Prince of Wales, said: “Konkan has been a great opportunity to see how the Indian Armed Forces work. Working with both their Navy and Air Force has been a unique experience in my career so far.”
During the visit, HMS Richmond docked in Mumbai, hosting industry and cultural events and a football match with the Indian Navy that ended 1–1.
Lieutenant Commander Andy Hunt said: “Our port visit to Mumbai was extremely enjoyable. We were very well looked after by our Indian Navy hosts, it was especially rewarding to spend time with them ashore having recently operated with them at sea during Exercise Konkan.”
Leading Engineering Technician Nathan Knight added: “Visiting Mumbai has been a real highlight of the deployment for me. The culture and food in the city was fantastic and the football match against the Indian Navy was great fun.”
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