As part of its Living with COVID-19 plan, the Government is removing some restrictions.

New guidance will be in place from today (April 1) despite infection numbers continuing to increase.

In the seven days to March 25, 6,677 cases were recorded in Wiltshire - an increase of 299 infections compared to the week before.

The number of positive patients at Salisbury District Hospital is also continuing to rise.

Yesterday, March 30, there were 82 positive patients being cared for.

Wiltshire Council is asking people to remain at home if feeling unwell to help reduce the transmission of infectious diseases.

It is also advising the use of face coverings and to keep hand and respiratory hygiene in mind.

But what is actually changing from today? Here’s a summary.

No more free tests

Free universal symptomatic and asymptomatic testing will no longer be available – but there are some exceptions.

Those in a vulnerable group, who are at risk of a serious illness, and staff in health and social care will still be able to have free tests.

The move has sparked criticism, particularly due to the high number of infections around the country at the moment.

Read more: Scrapping free tests when cases are spiking is just madness

Shorter isolation period

If testing positive, you’re advised to stay home and avoid contact with others for a five-day period as this is the period when you'll be most infectious.

You will no longer need two negative Covid tests.  

Previously, people were advised to isolate for 10 days or after five full days, providing they tested negative on day 5 and 6.

From today, if positive and needing to leave the house, guidance will be provided for those experiencing symptoms or testing positive.

It is important to use face coverings, to avoid crowded places or coming into close contact with anyone with a weakened immune system.

Advice for children and young people

Children and young people with high temperatures or feeling unwell should remain at home and avoid encountering others where possible.

They should return to school, college, or childcare only when feeling well enough to attend and once their temperature returns to normal.

No NHS COVID Pass requirement

The Government will no longer recommend that certain venues use the NHS COVID Pass and the current voluntary COVID-status certification for domestic settings will be removed.

Health and safety requirements as part of Covid-19 risk assessments will also end.

Kate Blackburn, Wiltshire's Director of Public Health, said: "As we adjust to living safely with COVID-19, it is important that we keep in mind that the virus is still very prevalent in our communities and poses a health risk, particularly to vulnerable people.

"Vaccines are still clearly a very important tool to help us live normal lives. They are safe and effective, and they also reduce the likelihood of experiencing severe illness from COVID-19. We would encourage anyone who can get vaccinated and hasn’t yet, to do so, it’s never too late."

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