Darlington's take on Covid self-isolation rules ending

Boris Johnson set out the strategy for “living with Covid” late on Monday afternoon after a Cabinet disagreement centring on funding for future surveillance of the virus disrupted his plans.

The Prime Minister told the Commons it was time to “move from Government restrictions to personal responsibility”, but Labour warned the plan would leave the nation “vulnerable”.

Those who receive a positive Covid-19 test will still be advised to stay at home for at least five days, but will not be obliged to under law under the plans subject to parliamentary approval.

Routine contact tracing will also end on Thursday, as will the £500 self-isolation payments and the legal obligation for individuals to tell their employers about their requirement to isolate.

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Changes to statutory sick pay and employment support allowance designed to help people through the coronavirus pandemic will end on March 24.

People aged 75 and over, the immunosuppressed and those living in care homes will be offered another Covid-19 booster vaccine this spring under the plans.

But free universal testing will be massively scaled back from April 1 and will instead be focused on the most vulnerable, with the UK Health Security Agency set to determine the details, while asymptomatic testing will continue for social care staff.

So to see how the news went down with the public, The Northern Echo headed into Darlington town centre to ask people their opinion.

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On Blackwellgate, Beryl Hankin labelled the decision to ditch the self-isolation rule as “stupid.”

She said: “I think it’s stupid. It’s too soon in my opinion. He (Boris Johnson) should have waited until the summer maybe.

"The vulnerable will lock themselves away in fear and it’s just not fair is it? They’re (the government) clearly aren’t listening to the experts.”

Beryl said it was stupid decision to end the self-isolation rule. Picture: AJA DODD

On Skinnergate, Jessica was relieved that the country would be getting back to normal.

She said: “I think it’s a good thing because we need to get back to normal now. It’s gone on long enough hasn’t it.”

In the Market Square, Frank didn't hold back on his opinion to drop the rule.

He said: “I think it’s way too soon. It’s irresponsible and it’s quite clear Boris is doing this for political reasons and not for the health of the public.

"All this will do is make the vulnerable even more vulnerable because they’ll be exposed to Covid when they go out, and so they’ll be much more likely to stay at home. It’s a recipe for disaster. I hope Boris Johnson ends up in court.”

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High Row's resident Big Issue seller, Pete, thought it was a step in the right direction though.

He said: “It’s a good thing. I’m happy. I’m happy either way but this way I get more customers, so happy days.”

Pete said he was glad the self-isolation rule was coming to an end. Picture: AJA DODD

On Bondgate, Rani saw both sides of the argument but concluded it was too soon to ditch the self-isolation rule.

“As much as I would like to go back to normal, I think this is a bit soon, it’s jumping the gun a bit.

"We’ve waited all this time so waiting a few more months wouldn’t be the end of the world.”

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