Changes boost hope of return to ‘normal’
ISOLATION RULES RELAXED FOR ‘DOUBLE-JABBERS’
NOTTINGHAM people spoke of their excitement minutes after they had their second jab yesterday.
New rules came into force yesterday allowing double-jabbed people to continue their “normal life” and not isolate if they do not show coronavirus symptoms.
If people are not fully vaccinated, they will be required to isolate if they are contacted by track and trace or “pinged” by the app.
Adults who came at the vaccination centre at Forest Recreation Ground to have their second dose said it “has been a long time coming”.
Some also brought their teenagers for their first jab.
According to the latest Government guidance, the ten-day isolation period also ends for under-18s if they do not show symptoms.
Dispensing optician Victoria Martin, 44, of Basford, had her second jab and said: “I think it is great news from an economical point of view.
“Overall I think it is good news as long as people will act responsibly.
“I do not know if people will be sensible and isolate if they need to.
“Personally, I do not have much faith.”
Ms Martin voiced her concerns about the new changes: “I think that we have two extremes: those who are too scared to get out of the house and the ones who are not sensible at all.
“There is no balance.” However, she highlighted the importance of being able to go to work as she is a healthcare practitioner: “It is vital for me to go to work, for example.
“And it is good to know that under the new rules I will be able to do so.
“We get tested every day and we are still very cautious.
“For me personally, following the latest NHS guidance is very important.”
She was accompanied by her 16-year-old son Max Hanebury, who had his first jab.
The teenager said: “Unfortunately some people only get to learn how serious Covid is after they get it really badly.
“It is important to have your jab as soon as you become eligible.
“Some people are just selfish and refuse to follow the guidance – but we have to stick to it.”
Other double-jabbed peowple, however, had fewer doubts over the relaxation of rules.
Jo Vita, 47, a dentist from West Bridgford, added: “I never had Covid so I would not know about the benefits of having to self-isolate.
“I think it is great that we are finally going back to normal – it has been a long time coming.”
He came to get his second jab while his 16-year-old son Hilary had just had his first dose.
Mr Vita added: “It cannot go on forever and it is good to have that freedom back.”
Security guard Bakary Baginka, 42, of St Ann’s, said: “It is great news.
“It is about time that we get our freedom back.”
Asked if he will stick to some of the rules, he added: “I do not wear a mask when I go to shops anymore.
“It is honestly a relief to know that I am vaccinated and protected.”