Most of the lockdown rules ended in England on 19 July 2021 when we reached step 4 of Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown. On Monday 16 August 2021 we see further restrictions lifted for those fully vaccinated and those under the age of 18.
COVID-19 Update | Rosenblatt’s Financial Crime Team
From 16 August onwards individuals who have received both COVID-19 vaccinations or are under the age of 18 will no longer be required to self-isolate if they are in contact with someone who tests positive. Instead they will be advised, but not told, to take a PCR test. Similarly, fully vaccinated adults and those under 18 who get ‘pinged’ will only have to self-isolate if they test positive. This vaccination exemption only applies to adults who had their second vaccination more than two weeks’ prior as this is believed to be the time required for the body to build up protection from the virus.
Boris Johnson was quick to state that the “most important thing is for people to recognise that the current situation still calls for a lot of caution and for people just to remember that the virus is still out there, a lot of people have got it, it still presents a significant risk.”
Unfortunately, this means any adults who have not received two doses of the vaccine will still be legally required to isolate if they come into contact with someone who tests positive. These new rules are unlikely to be well received by all, with many under 25 year olds disgruntled as they have not yet been afforded the opportunity to have their second vaccination. The government have assured the public that all adults will be offered two doses of the vaccine by mid-September, so by October (being two weeks from their second vaccination) everybody over the age of 18 will be exempt from automatic contact tracing self-isolation.
Savid Javid, the Health and Social Care Secretary noted that “step-by-step, and jab-by-jab, we’re replacing the temporary protection of the restrictions, with the long-term protection of a vaccine.”
Despite the government’s outward confidence many have warned that it is still too early to see the impact of the lifting of restrictions that took place on 19 July and we should all still act with caution.
Rosenblatt can help
Rosenblatt has a wealth of experience in criminal law and is uniquely placed to support client’s crime needs during these unprecedented times, consistently ensuring a familiarity with the ever-changing Government guidance on COVID-19.
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Should you wish to discuss the services we offer further please contact Frances Murray from the Financial Crime team at frances.murray@rosenblatt-law.co.uk or +44 (0)20 7955 0880.
Authors
Frances Murray, Senior Associate (frances.murray@rosenblatt-law.co.uk)
Emily Russell, Trainee Solicitor (emily.russell@rosenblatt-law.co.uk)
(Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57998247)
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