Covid Update: Here’s what’s changed at Step Four

Today we move to Step 4 in the roadmap, which will see the emphasis shift from one of state-legislated, mandatory rules towards one of managed risk, sensible proportional guidance and common sense. 

The Government continues to work hand-in-hand with the SAGE committee experts, taking into consideration the level of risk using rates of infection, hospitalisations and mortality to determine the timing of changes to restrictions. The implementation of this next stage in the roadmap to normality was discussed and rationalised with the same informed and considered input from SAGE experts.

With an internationally respected vaccine rollout, the prevalence of hospitalisations and deaths has been significantly reduced.  Of those admitted to hospital, vaccinated patients are released after a few days rather than weeks. As of the date of the Health Secretary’s statement, 86% of adults have had at least one vaccine, and 64% have had their full course of vaccine defence. For those people under-40 and yet to have both vaccines, the delay between vaccinations is being reduced from 12 weeks to 8 weeks. This will ensure that every adult will have the opportunity to be fully vaccinated by mid-September. 

As we move to Step 4, the legal requirement to wear a face covering will end, although masks remain advisable as a voluntary measure in crowded and enclosed spaces. Families will no longer have to choose who can access their loved ones in care homes as the cap on named care home visitors will be removed. The two-metre rule will be suspended outside of clinical settings and ports of entry. Classroom bubbles and contact isolation will also be removed allowing pupils, parents and teachers the stability required to support our children through education. 

The virus is still in circulation, but the measures legislated for last year were put in place to save lives. We must still observe government guidelines, use informed judgement and take sensible precautions. I sincerely hope that we will adapt to this new phase with respect, courtesy and compassion for each other as we adjust to a freer, happier society.