--- title: "Covid19: End to isolation laws and free testing" description: "From 24 February, all Covid legal restrictions, including those for self-isolation, will end in England. Free mass testing for Covid will end from the 1 April, except for the most vulnerable people. More information from the Government is available here:" canonical: "https://www.safety-management.co.uk/news/covid19-end-to-isolation-laws-and-free-testing" type: "Article" publishedAt: "2022-02-22T10:56:43" modifiedAt: "2022-02-22T14:16:10" keywords: "Covid, Health and Safety" --- # Covid19: End to isolation laws and free testing From 24 February, all Covid legal restrictions, including those for self-isolation, will end in England. Free mass testing for Covid will end from the 1 April, except for the most vulnerable people. More information from the Government is available here: Canonical URL: https://www.safety-management.co.uk/news/covid19-end-to-isolation-laws-and-free-testing ## Article From 24 February, all Covid legal restrictions, including those for self-isolation, will end in England. Free mass testing for Covid will end from the 1 April, except for the most vulnerable people. From 24 February in England: - People who test positive for Covid will not legally be required to self-isolate. The government guidance in this case is to stay at home if you can, and avoid contact with other people for at least five days. - People who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid will not legally be required to self-isolate (if unvaccinated) or advised to take daily tests (if fully vaccinated). - The Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme will end. Claims can be made up until the 24 February 2022. - Covid provisions for increased statutory sick pay will apply for one more month. From 1 April in England: - Free testing for the general public will end, only the most vulnerable people will be able to access free testing. - People with Covid symptoms will be asked to use personal responsibility when deciding whether to stay at home. - NHS Covid passes and Covid passports will no longer be recommended. Advice from SML: - There is no longer a need for a separate Covid Risk Assessment. - Instead, you should consider general workplace hygiene, cleanliness, and good ventilation in your general risk assessments. - Health and Safety Executive continues to provide guidance which will be updated regularly **[Coronavirus: latest information and advice – HSE news](https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/index.htm)** More information from the Government is available here: Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Prime Minister sets out plan for living with COVID – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) For further support with Health and Safety in your business, contact us today. ## Related guidance - [Practical Health & Safety Support: Knowing Where to Start and What to Do Next](/news/practical-health-safety-support-knowing-where-to-start-and-what-to-do-next): Managing health and safety can feel straightforward when everything is running smoothly. 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