Public Health experts are appealing to the public to ’continue looking out for each other’, by being cautious and following Covid-19 guidance over the next few months.

The director of public health, Steve Brown, made his comments following the Prime Minister’s announcement that the legal requirement for people with coronavirus to self-isolate is to be removed this week.

Changes were also announced bringing an end to the mass availability of Covid-19 testing for people with or without symptoms.

Steve Brown said: ’It is vital that people continue to look out for each other, and do all they can to reduce risk, especially to those who are more vulnerable.

’That means being respectful of other people’s concerns and personal situations.

’The public health advice is that anyone who tests positive for coronavirus, or who shows symptoms of having it, including a high temperature or cough, should stay at home and avoid contact with others. The same can be said for any other infectious illness, such a flu, or vomiting and diarrhoea.

’We need to get to a place whereby it’s commonly accepted that when someone’s not well and there’s risk of spreading that virus, that they stay home to reduce the risk of transmission to others.’

Meanwhile, groups that champion and support the needs of vulnerable people have spoken out in concern about the removal of Covid-19 restrictions.

Diana Crump, CEO of Living Options Devon, said: ’We are hearing from people who we support that they’re worried what the removal of the self-isolating legislation will mean for them.

’The concern is that without the legal requirement, many people who have coronavirus, knowingly or not, will be out and about, and the airborne nature of the virus means infection and spread is very likely.’

For key dates on what’s changing in England see page 26.