The government has made the COVID-19 vaccine compulsory for health workers in England starting from April 1.
Face masks and COVID-19 vaccine passports are no longer mandatory in England. Although the pandemic continues to rage on across the globe, restrictions have now begun to become a thing of the past in the country.
There are a few reservations, though, as some locations across the nation may still require some measures. Even so, the government has already lifted almost all curbs, except the self-isolation following a positive COVID-19 test.
This does not apply, however, to the vaccine mandate for health workers. But, the country may also revoke the said policy, according to Channel News Asia.
England plans to revoke the COVID-19 vaccine mandate
On Monday, Health Minister Sajid Javid stated that the government would have a consultation whether the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health workers was still necessary. This comes as the Omicron variant has already overtaken the Delta strain, with the former being “more transmissible but, results in milder symptoms.”
The official told parliament that the government will “revoke the regulations,” though “subject to the responses.”
Javid continued that vaccination is still the “best line of defence” against COVID-19. However, he believes that “it is no longer proportionate to require vaccination as a condition of deployment.”
About the policy over vaccinations against COVID-19
BBC recalled that the COVID-19 vaccine policy emerged in November. It requires all health workers across England to complete their vaccinations against COVID-19 by April 1.
As reported, about 77,000 individuals from the involving group have had no COVID-19 jab at all. If they fail to get the shots, they will face redeployment or dismissal.
The publication, then, pointed out that the mandate surfaced when the dominant variant was still Delta. As explained, evidence showed that having the necessary jabs “significantly” cut the risk of contracting and spreading the COVID-19-causing virus.
But, the Omicron variant has since become more apparent in the country. Infection due to the said strain has reportedly led to breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals.
Vaccination status in England
To date, over 72 percent of England’s population has already completed their COVID-19 vaccinations. This equates to more than 40.6 million individuals, according to the Government of the United Kingdom.
The latest changes in the restrictions, including the talks about the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, only apply to England. The rest of the U.K. nations have their own respective measures.
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