<-- Back to proposed bills
Covid-19 Update
29 March 2022
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement outlines the UK government's transition from legal domestic restrictions to guidance-based approach for managing COVID-19, focusing on protecting vulnerable individuals and maintaining surveillance capabilities.
Action Requested
The Government is setting out a future approach to testing beyond April, reducing free universal testing while continuing targeted symptomatic testing for high-risk groups and retaining critical infrastructure for rapid response to new variants. Additional guidance will be published on April 1st.
Key Facts
- The Living with COVID-19 strategy has removed legal domestic restrictions in England.
- Free symptomatic testing will continue for those at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.
- Asymptomatic testing will be reduced and targeted, especially after April 1st, except for high-risk settings like prisons and certain refuges.
- UKHSA maintains genomic sequencing capabilities to identify new variants and respond rapidly if needed.
- Guidance on actions for those with symptoms of COVID-19 or respiratory illness will be published on April 1st.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy