‘Our children will be paying back for years’
The nation is settling in to the Government’s “living with Covid” strategy, as announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this week.
The legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive Covid test was axed from Thursday, while free universal testing will cease for the general public from April 1.
While warning that the pandemic was not over in a press conference, Mr Johnson toldthepublicthatvaccinesremain the country’s best line of defence when it comes to protection, and reaction to any future variants.
We asked for your views on anendtothelegalrequirement toself-isolateandaccesstofree Covid testing later in Spring.
Therewasconcernoverthe impact this move will have on themostvulnerable,whileotherswelcomedareturntomore normal life.
Speaking this week, the PrimeMinistersaidprotecting the “most vulnerable” would continue to be a priority.
Here is what you had to say on our social media pages:
Stephen Pattison: “About time. Can’t go on like this forever.
"It’scostingthecountrymillions that our children will be paying back for years to come.”
Beverley Bird: “If the Governmentwantustotake[tests] they should provide them for us. The cost of living has gone up ridiculously, so where does it stop, our health?”
GloriaDixon:“WellIforone will continue wearing a mask and being careful, don't care what Boris says.”
Diane Tucker: “The UK will beallwalkingaroundwithCovid. Then the NHS will be overrun with patients.”
Val Hall: “Depends on the cost and reason for taking them. Just general curiosity thendefinitelynot,buttomake sureIwasCovidfreebeforevisiting a vulnerable member of my family, then yes of course.”
Stephen Blackburn: “As one of the vulnerable people I think we have been thrown to the wolves thanks to Boris wanting to improve his public image and reputation.”
Claire Bowie: “I've never even done a test, whats the point anyway if everything is being lifted.”
Sarah Edwards: “I feel like
the need to self-isolate should endbutpeopleshouldstillhave to wear a mask when in public if they have any symptoms and to have two clear LFTs before having a clear conscience about mixing with other peopleiftheyhavetestedpositive.”
Steve Kinson: “About time, we'vebeenlivingunderrestrictions long enough.”
Joyce Hopps: “I'm quite happy about taking responsibilitiesformyself.Iwouldhave done that in the first place insteadofbankruptingthecountry.”
Andrea Fretwell: "I’ve always thought we should just get on with life, but the people
with health problems isolate."
Lindsey Harrison: “I think we have to try get back to normal but it concerns me for the more vulnerable such as cancer patients and elderly with conditions such as COPD.”
Andrew Hall: “So people need to start to pay to be tested? How do they think this will pan out well?
"Let me help them, people won't test themselves, so, if there is still Covid going about it will spike again!”
Karen Johnson: “No choice if you have to test to care for someone vulnerable. Where they think people will find the extra money is beyond me.”