Julian welcomes end of covid rules and additional booster for vulnerable
February 21, 2022
Having argued strongly in recent months that the vaccine/booster shield can now allow us to move from restrictions to normality, with targeted protections for the vulnerable, I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement today that all remaining virus restrictions will end this Thursday 24th under the new ‘living with covid’ plan.
Given the vital importance of protecting vulnerable residents, I am very glad that a second booster, a fourth vaccine dose, will be offered this spring to all immuno-suppressed people aged 12 and over, all over-75s, and older care home residents.
In 6 weeks, free mass testing for the general public will be replaced by targeted free testing for the most vulnerable, especially the elderly.
The end of the self-isolation requirement for positive cases is a welcome sign that we can now return to the normal everyday life that has been suspended for nearly 2 years, and manage covid as we do many other diseases.
I welcome the government’s indication that they will remain vigilant against new variants and virus surges through careful infection surveillance. York residents can count on me to keep the government to today’s commitment to return irreversibly to freedom, and enhance protection of the vulnerable through a further booster programme.
