It has been months since the lifting of lockdown by the government. However, there is increasing uncertainty owing to the mutation of the Coronavirus. Just how safe can one be? In this respect, government and health officials continue encouraging citizens of England to undertake vaccination measures. In addition, several measures are put in place to ensure the spread of the virus is at a lower minimum.
The United Kingdom’s capital, London, is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. Beyond the city’s historical monuments and nightlife, there’s plenty to explore and do. This includes the rocky peaks of the Scottish Highlands, distant Welsh lakes, and vast stretches of Cornish beaches as well as the historic towns and cities like Bath, Oxford, and Harrogate.
Sadly, in the recent wake of COVID 19, several measures have been put in place to protect the citizens and curb the spread of the pandemic.
Such measures are as below:
Mandatory Checking in Some Venues and Events
Due to the rising cases of Coronavirus, over eighteens will be required to provide proof of vaccination (two doses). In addition, you will need to produce evidence of a negative test in the last forty-eight hours or an exemption where necessary. This measure will ensure a safe environment and prevent the spread of the virus.
One can achieve this with an NHS Covid Pass, or any other alternative way of proving they are clean, such as a text or email from NHS. You will need to reveal your Covid status to gain access to social events such as:
- Indoor unseated venues with above 500 people
- Nightclubs
- Unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people
- Any event with more than 1,000 people
Work from Home
Employees are encouraged to do their business at home whenever possible to reduce the number of face-to-face encounters. You get to protect yourself and the people you love by working from home, unlike going to workplaces like cities where there might be an outbreak.
Face Coverings
Wearing Masks is mandatory in nearly all indoor public gatherings, like cinemas and theatres. If you take public transport, you will do well to remember face coverings. Other areas of interest include going to shops or hairdressers. On the contrary, masks will be unnecessary in places like pubs and restaurants or gymnasiums where their application is not feasible.
Schools
Students in schools are reminded to carry on with face coverings. Besides students and pupils, subordinates and visitors at school or childcare centres also need to cover their faces. This bid aims to protect the children from the pandemic. On the other hand, it ensures a conducive environment necessary for smooth learning.
Self-Isolation
In case you have been exposed or tested positive, self-isolation is imperative. You will need to take relevant measures to ensure you do not spread the virus, as you may affect your dear ones. Carry on with self-isolation until you get a clean bill of health from your doctor.
Social Distance
You are reminded to maintain a one-meter social distance in public places such as hospitals and passport control centres. This distancing assists in keeping you safe if you come into contact with an infected person.
Travel
All UK arrivals are requested to submit a Passenger Locator Form before arriving in the UK. Presently, every traveller must quarantine until they obtain the results of a PCR test taken on their second day in the country. If your tests are positive, you will face a ten-day quarantine period.
Moreover, anybody entering London must produce evidence of a pre-departure negative test taken two days before departure.
New Workplace COVID-19 Measures
Risk Assessments
To conduct a sufficient and practical risk assessment, employers need to consider the ways through which the virus spreads. Since it spreads by coming into contact with an infected person’s fluids found in coughs, breaths, or when they speak, the following measures can help in its mitigation:
Adequate Ventilation
The new guidelines place a lot more focus on ventilation than previously. It encourages employers to utilise CO2 monitors to assess how well office spaces are aired and increase the supply of fresh air in the workplaces. Employers that work in buildings with shut window units should talk to their building managers about measuring and maximising fresh airflow.
Reduction of Face-to-Face Contact
The new measures continue to advocate actions that, in practice, may result in fewer workers being able to be in the office at the same time as before the pandemic.
Masks
In an office setting, the guideline suggests taking initiatives to encourage employees to continue to wear masks in locations where they may come into touch with persons they don’t normally interact with, as well as in packed and enclosed spaces.
Will We Experience a Lockdown Shortly?
England is unlikely to revert to a total lockdown based on the current state of affairs. According to prime minister Boris Johnson and other ministers, there appear to be no plans to put the country back on lockdown during this festive period.
During his press conference, the prime minister asserts that the new guidelines were effective and proportionate, in the case of the new Omicron variant. Additionally, Boris Johnson has revealed that Christmas parties need not be cancelled, whereas school activities should continue as scheduled, provided social distancing is considered.
Conclusion
In the recent wave of multiple deadly versions of the pandemic, there is never a better time to consider safety above all else. Safety indeed begins with you. There are measures to be taken to account for optimal results. Vaccination, self-isolation, and social distancing are but some of the recommendations. Always ensure to keep your circle small by practising social distancing and avoiding crowded places where necessary.
