CLASSES DITCH TESTS
Covid tests for schoolchildren ditched from TODAY in major boost for schools
COVID tests for schoolchildren in England are being ditched from TODAY.
As The Sun revealed on Saturday, the PM told MPs in the House of Commons the rules would finally fall away as part of his plan for learning to live with Covid.
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The guidance will instead focus on ventilation and other safety measures to keep kids and teachers safe.
Mr Johnson told the House of Commons today: "From today we're removing the guidance for staff and students in most education and childcare centres to undertake twice weekly asymptomatic testing."
But the most vulnerable groups will still be able to get free tests if they need it.
The PM is expected to host his final Covid press conference alongside top scientists Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance tonight.
The Prime Minister also confirmed today he will end legal Covid isolation rules from Thursday, and start charging for lateral flow and PCR tests from 1 April.
He will give what could be the final ever Covid press conference tonight at 7pm alongside Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance.
In key developments today:
- Vaccine chiefs announced Spring boosters for over-75s
- Scottish and Welsh government leaders criticised No10 for ripping up the rules
- Covid tests will not be free from April 1 onwards and will likely cost a few pounds each
- But those who are most vulnerable will still be able to get them
- All the Covid powers for local authorities to bring in lockdown rules will fall away from Thursday
- The Covid-stricken Queen will still have her weekly audience with the PM via phone
Last week ministers accepted advice from scientists to dish out vaccines for five to 11-year-olds, after experts decided that the benefits outweighed the risks.
But today Mr Johnson long-awaited announcement got off to a rocky start when Cabinet was delayed because of a row over cash for testing.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid were understood to be at loggerheads over who pays once free lateral flows are wound down.
The vaccination programme, testing, and other new treatments such as anti-viral drugs will keep people safe, he insisted.
Mr Johnson said: "Today will mark a moment of pride after one of the most difficult periods in our country's history as we begin to learn to live with Covid.
"It would not be possible without the efforts of so many - the NHS who delivered the life-saving vaccine rollout at phenomenal speed, our world-leading scientists and experts, and the general public for their commitment to protecting themselves and their loved ones.
"The pandemic is not over but thanks to the incredible vaccine rollout we are now one step closer towards a return to normality and finally giving people back their freedoms while continuing to protect ourselves and others."
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