In an address to the House of Commons today, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a plan for "living with COVID," phasing out free testing for most people and removing requirements to self-isolate after testing positive.The new plan was welcomed by some, but it was met with strong pushback from several in the science and medical communities.
Meanwhile, in the United States, cases declined further as states and cities continue to pare back their COVID-19 measures.Focus on personal responsibility in UKAhead of his speech, Johnson said yesterday on Twitter that the COVID-19 threat remains, but because of the country's efforts over the past 2 years, it can now transition from government regulations to personal responsibility.
He hailed Britain's strong vaccine uptake, the arrival of new treatments, and the scientific understanding of what the virus can do.The United Kingdom is reporting declining cases, though the proportion of the more transmissible BA.2 Omicron subvariant viruses is increasing.
About 82% of adults have received three vaccine doses, according to the Office for National Statistics.As of Feb 24, people won't legally be required to self-isolate after testing positive, but adults and children will be advised to do so.