UK to Lift All COVID-19 Restrictions... Ending Self-Isolation and Free Testing

Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The UK has decided to abolish all COVID-19 related quarantine regulations, including self-isolation for confirmed cases and free testing. This measure aims to reduce the economic and social costs associated with pandemic control as COVID-19 deaths and severe cases decline.

According to the Guardian and other sources on the 21st (local time), UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in Parliament that from the 24th, all legal quarantine regulations, including self-isolation in England, will be lifted. Additionally, from April 1st, free rapid COVID-19 testing will be discontinued except for some groups such as symptomatic elderly individuals.

Prime Minister Johnson said that until the end of next month, COVID-19 positive individuals are advised to stay at home, but after that, symptomatic infected persons should take personal responsibility. This marks a shift from controlling COVID-19 through various restrictions to managing it based on individual responsibility, declaring the start of a 'With COVID' approach.

Johnson stated that although the pandemic is not over, the peak of the Omicron variant wave has passed, and the link between infection and severe illness has significantly weakened. He added that pandemic regulations have caused considerable sacrifices in the economy, society, mental health, and children's lives, and there is no need to continue bearing these costs. "The costs have been too high. We need to reduce these costs again," he emphasized.

The Guardian reported, "Following Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's statement that the cost of free testing alone reached ?15 billion (approximately 24.3 trillion KRW) last year, and that COVID-19 related expenses need to be cut by up to 90%, Prime Minister Johnson made this announcement."

Johnson's decision has sparked backlash within the UK. Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said, "We will face greater confusion and chaos," and criticized, "The Prime Minister's With COVID plan could not even convince the Health Secretary." Chand Nagpaul, chair of the British Medical Association (BMA), also pointed out, "It is a strategy that ignores vulnerable people in society and may cause more uncertainty and anxiety rather than granting people more freedom."

Meanwhile, the UK also expressed its stance to actively utilize COVID-19 vaccines and treatments in response. On the same day, it was announced that booster shots will be administered in spring to those aged 75 and older. The UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) stated that it is reviewing the possibility of a fall booster shot for a broader population.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.