GMB: Dr Hilary disapproves of lifting all Covid restrictions

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Last month Prime Minister Boris Johnson removed his Covid Plan B rules and said that he expected the last domestic measures – including self-isolation – would end early, as long as the positive trends in the data continued. Tonight, it’s anticipated the PM will move forward with his comments and reveal his “living with Covid” plan to the public.

When will Boris Johnson speak tonight?

An exact timing for the Downing Street presser is yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to take place at some point after 6.30pm GMT.

Earlier today the PM held a meeting with his Cabinet to discuss his proposed changes.

He will then update MPs on the plans in the House of Commons before he addresses the nation later tonight.

Mr Johnson will be joined at the press conference by chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.

How can you watch the press conference live?

The UK Government’s Covid briefing will be broadcast live on BBC News and Sky News, with analysis and commentary likely to dominate news programmes afterwards.

You can also tune in online via BBC News on BBC iPlayer and Sky News on YouTube.

Number ten Downing Street will also be sharing footage of the press conference on its social media channels.

What is Boris Johnson expected to say?

The PM is expected to confirm the decision to scrap self-isolation during today’s briefing.

Currently, positive or asymptomatic people have to isolate for up to 10 days but can end their isolation earlier if they register negative lateral flow tests on both days five and six.

The legal requirement to self-isolate for a fixed period after testing positive in England has been in place ever since mass testing was rolled out.

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Should the measure be removed the only Covid rules that will remain in place, for England, will be in relation to travelling abroad.

The outstanding rules are all due to expire on March 24.

Under Mr Johnson’s ‘living with Covid’ plan community PCR testing for people with symptoms is also expected to stop.

However, it is unclear whether the availability of free lateral flow tests will be reduced.

Ahead of his announcement, Mr Johnson said: “Today will mark a moment of pride after one of the most difficult periods in our country’s history as we begin to learn to live with Covid.

“It would not be possible without the efforts of so many – the NHS who delivered the life-saving vaccine rollout at phenomenal speed, our world-leading scientists and experts, and the general public for their commitment to protecting themselves and their loved ones.

“The pandemic is not over but thanks to the incredible vaccine rollout we are now one step closer towards a return to normality and finally giving people back their freedoms while continuing to protect ourselves and others.”

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