by Dantes Odogwu
As part of the “living with Covid” plan in England, Boris Johnson has scrapped the remaining Covid-19 restrictions, meaning Brits can now move from government regulations to personal responsibility.
England has suffered over the last two years, and residents and companies alike are looking forward to its recovery and life after the pandemic.
But if all limitations are to be abolished in the safest possible manner, many people believe that the government must reconsider its intention to eliminate free testing, and ensure that people who cannot work from home if they test positive receive financial assistance.
The lowest-paid workers and students will be the worst hit by this decision which will make it impossible for them to freely know their Covid status.
Emily Okin, 22, a student of theatre arts, Northampton university said: “I learned that from 1st April, a box of seven lateral flow tests will be sold for £20 pounds. Where does Boris Johnson expect me to get the money?
“My father is a security officer and on a zero-hours contract. Why are the poor always paying the price? It is annoying and I am not happy about it.”
Boris Johnson’s idea to repeal Covid’s self-isolation requirements and discontinue regular testing of students in England has been criticized by school officials. Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “This announcement is like a headlong rush, not a sensibly phased approach.
“In removing legal requirements to self-isolate following a positive test, along with twice-weekly testing, there was a risk of increased disruption if more positive cases came into classrooms,” he told the Independent.
“We are also concerned about where this leaves vulnerable staff and pupils, or those with a household member who is vulnerable. These individuals will inevitably feel more scared and less protected by the relaxation.”
According to the British prime minister, the legal requirement for people who test positive for coronavirus to self-isolate has been removed and free symptomatic and asymptomatic testing will end in England from 1 April.
The announcement is already creating some form of panic and Londoners are beginning to stockpile free lateral flow packs before the government deadline.
Charles Okonkwo of Burger King, Peckham said: “Lifting the limitations totally is not the greatest for Brits. It is a mechanism for the infection to spread.
“To protect the most vulnerable members of the communities, the government must make testing free. It is the only way we will be able to act in a responsible manner.”
Credit: Dantes Odogwu
To ensure people do not build up personal stockpiles of free lateral flow tests before the 1 April cut-off, individuals can now only order a box every three days, instead of every 24 hours.
“This travel testing was never about public safety it was always about making as much profit on people as possible. What about Passenger Locator Form? What is the point of it now when all the restrictions are lifted?” said Abdul Kamara, an Uber Driver in South Bermondsey.
“Can Boris explain how will filling in a form help monitor the potential import of a new variant if no testing is required? I am tired of this business government,” he said.
COVID-19 is still spreading in the UK and getting vaccinated can keep everyone safe as restrictions end.
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