THE LOOSENING of Covid restriction has been welcomed as data suggests the worst of the Omicron wave is now behind us.

The 'Plan B' rules will be scrapped, with mandatory vaccine passes and face masks no longer enforced from Thursday next week, the Prime Minister today revealed

The legal requirement for people with coronavirus to self-isolate will also be allowed to lapse when the regulations expire on March 24, and that date could be brought forward.

When it comes to face masks, the Government will no longer make people wear them anywhere from next Thursday and they will be scrapped in classrooms from this Thursday, with school communal areas to follow.

Councillor Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Council, welcomed the news saying it heralded the end of the winter surge, while urging caution to prevent regression in the coming weeks.

“It’s good news because none of us wanted to see restrictions of any sort,” he said. “I think what the evidence is showing is that Omicron, while very transmissible, is less severe than the Delta variant, whether that is a combination of the virus itself or the vaccinations.

“We must be careful however of the human inclination to think everything is alright now as that is how you can easily backslide. I think the key thing is for people for people to maintain a level of caution. We need to remember that other people might still be vulnerable and therefore showing a bit of consideration is the sensible thing going forwards.”

Boris Johnson yesterday told MPs in the House of Commons more than 90 per cent of over-60s across the UK have now had booster vaccines to protect them, and scientists believed the Omicron wave has peaked.

Mr Johnson further signalled his intention to start treating Covid-19 more like flu, saying: “There will soon come a time when we can remove the legal requirement to self-isolate altogether, just as we don’t place legal obligations on people to isolate if they have flu.

“As Covid becomes endemic, we will need to replace legal requirements with advice and guidance, urging people with the virus to be careful and considerate of others.”

Krishna Ramkhelawon, director of public health at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, said: “I think the Prime Minister’s announcement is what we were expecting, and I am sure many local people and businesses will welcome it.  

“I would urge residents to continue to exercise common sense and do what makes them feel safe and protected. This includes getting the booster jab, regular LFD testing, wearing face masks and good hand hygiene. If we can do what we can now, we have more chance of enjoying a more relaxed Spring and Summer, hopefully free from restrictions.”