Meanwhile, testing will be used to relax self-isolation rules for those who have had contact with someone carrying the virus. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “This could offer a viable alternative to self-isolation and allow people to carry on going to work and living their lives.” With ministers confirming that some measures, including being able to hug relatives in care homes, are set to be eased earlier than planned, MPs believe the end is in sight for lockdown. Health select committee member Paul Bristow said: “The nightmare is finally coming to an end.”
Fellow committee member, James Davies, who is also a GP, agreed. He said: “Some parts of the world remain in a perilous situation and there are uncertainties about variants.
“Even so, it would seem that for Britain, the nightmare of the last year and a bit is nearly over.”
Dr Davies added that we are not at the point of a free-for-all but insisted there are reasons for strong optimism.
Whitehall insiders have pointed to news that the number of Test and Trace staff employed by the Government is to reduce by 1,500 as a sign…
