Following the Government's latest advice we've put together a simple list to help you understand what you can and can't do now plus all the latest information on jabs.
We'll also be updating this page with all the latest news you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic.
What are the current restrictions in England?
From Thursday February 24, 2022, you are no longer legally required to self-isolate if you test positive for coronavirus. The new guidance is advising people who test positive to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
Similarly, if you are unvaccinated and you come into close contact with someone who has tested positive, you will no longer be legally required to self-isolate or take tests. Anyone who is fully vaccinated will no longer be advised to test for 7 days due to close contact either.
Getting your booster jab
It's important to be up to date on your covid booster jabs to give your body the best chance of fighting off the virus if you come into contact with it. If you had your first covid vaccine when it was first rolled out, you should have already been offered your booster jab which would have been your third dose of the vaccine.
Back in spring 2022, you may have been offered a spring vaccine and now the 2023 spring jab is being rolled out. Now, older adults and vulnerable people are being offered their seasonal autumn booster jab. Those aged 50-64 will be eligible for their booster jabs later this autumn.
If you've not yet had any booster jabs, you can book it on the NHS website. The gap between second dose and booster has been reduced to three months from six and people with weakened immune systems will be offered a fourth dose - as a booster - no sooner than three months after their third.
It's also a good idea to make sure you get your flu jab too to help protect you against the flu virus as well as covid.
What are the rules on travel?
Before travelling anywhere, always check the entry requirements for the country you are travelling to.
Depending on where you are travelling, you may need to do the following.
- show proof of a negative COVID-19 test
- quarantine on arrival
- complete a passenger locator form to enter the country
- show proof of vaccination status (plus any rules about vaccine expiry or vaccine boosters)
- wear a face covering on your journey or on arrival
Despite this, many countries particularly in Europe have relaxed their rules, meaning you won't have to do many of these things.
Proving your vaccination status
If you have had a full vaccine course (2 doses), you will be able to demonstrate your COVID-19 vaccination status to enter some countries and territories. The proof of vaccination must be proven by either: NHS COVID Pass for England and Wales, NHS Scotland COVID Status app or COVIDCert NI in Northern Ireland.
Red list countries
Red-list countries are those the UK government says present the highest Covid risk, and should not be visited "except in the most extreme of circumstances".
How to book a PCR test for travel
Most private providers charge above £60 for PCR tests and £30 for lateral flow devices. Some travel companies offer discounts.
You can compare and choose a test provider based on cost and whether they are available in your region.
The government does not endorse or recommend any specific test provider, but they do have a portal on their website to help you find PCR test locations.
Covid tests: how to test yourself at home
Free covid tests are no longer available on the NHS, and from April 1, most people will be required to pay for their lateral flow tests if they need one. However, but some groups are still eligible for free tests including:
• Patients in hospital, where a PCR test is required for their care
• People who are eligible for community Covid drug treatments because they are at higher risk of getting seriously ill if they become infected. People in this group will be contacted directly and sent lateral flow tests to keep at home for use if they have symptoms, as well as being told how to reorder tests
• Care home residents
• People working in some high-risk settings, including care homes and prisons. These staff will be able to test regularly, without symptoms
People will also be tested before being discharged from hospital into care homes, hospices and refuges.
If you do test positive, you'll be advised to isolate at home and avoid contact with others for at least five days.
The below video shows exactly how to do a self test at home, for you and your family:
Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine is available to everyone over 18 on the NHS. The vaccine is being offered in some hospitals and some GP surgeries and vaccination centres.
The seasonal Covid booster jabs are also available for those more vulnerable. Your GP should contact you if you are eligible for the vaccine.
Just be sure to stay wary of coronavirus vaccination scams and know how to spot them in case someone tries to scam you.
How the COVID-19 vaccine is given
The COVID-19 vaccine is given as an injection into your upper arm.
It's given as 2 doses.
The 2nd dose of the vaccine is likely to be given 8 to 12 weeks after.
How safe is the COVID-19 vaccine?
The vaccines approved for use in the UK have been developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca.
They have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
So far, thousands of people have been given a COVID-19 vaccine and reports of serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, have been very rare. No long-term complications have been reported.
You can find more information on the Government's Coronavirus website