Prime Minister Boris Johnson Will End Most Covid Restrictions, But Is It Too Soon?

While experts suggest that the virus could continue to pose a threat in the future, the desire to bring workers back into the office is outweighing public health concerns.

Echoing the sentiment of political leaders around the world, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that the UK will end nearly all of its pandemic-related restrictions.

Starting this Thursday, Prime Minister Johnson stated that the country will shift to “living with Covid,” which will see those that contract the virus not be legally obligated to self-isolate or be subject to routine tracing.

In addition to this move, citizens will no longer have access to free rapid and PCR tests, with the exception of older people or those who are immunocompromised.

At the beginning of April, those with Covid-19 symptoms will be expected to use personal responsibility and judgment in their interactions with others. However, some health experts state that it is too early to abandon these restrictions, with others claiming that this is a political move not in the best interests of public safety.

“[The government] want very much to play the whole thing down and spread good news because the Prime Minister needs good news right now,” said Anthony Costello, Professor of Global Health at University College London and a former director at the World Health Organization

Leaders in Scotland and Wales are still maintaining some restrictions, indicating that England will be the only UK country to end most of its restrictions this week.

Many leaders around the world have been moving forward with policies that are attempting to usher the end of Covid into existence. 

While experts suggest that the virus could continue to pose a threat in the future, especially in terms of new variants, the global economy and desire to bring workers back into the office is outweighing public health concerns this year.