One of the last remaining Covid restrictions in England – the legal requirement for people to self-isolate if they test positive for Covid – is being lifted.

Boris Johnson outlines a strategy for “living with Covid”.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will soon announce their next steps.

A lot has changed since the coronavirus first hit the UK, with new vaccines, new treatments and a better understanding of how the virus spreads all helping to reduce risk.

But that doesn’t mean the coronavirus is gone.

What can you do if you are worried?

Lorna Fillingham, from Scunthorpe, and Emily-May, 11, have been protecting themselves since the pandemic began.

Emily-May has a rare genetic condition that makes her clinically vulnerable.

She had just had her first shot and needed an eight-week interval before the second.

Lorna said the family had been homeschooled for more than 650 days and had to plan their trips in advance and assess the risks to Emily-May before leaving home: “Our world is a smaller place. »

This is a view shared by some charities representing at-risk groups.

Philip Anderson of the Multiple Sclerosis Society said the change would “create more worry and confusion” among thousands of people with weakened immune systems.

While the rules may change, that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone’s behavior will change immediately.

In England, some people have ditched face coverings entirely, but many have not, even though the rules around them have been relaxed.

While there are no longer any legally enforceable rules on quarantine, recommendations could supersede them and help people manage their risk of contracting the virus.

There is still a lot of virus circulating, and there is uncertainty about the number of cases that will emerge as we head into spring.

Some people who were previously shielded or spent most of their time at home may feel compelled to return to their workplaces, again having to navigate crowded public spaces.

And when self-isolation rules disappear and mass testing ends, it will be harder to tell who might be carrying the virus.

People still need to stay home and avoid contact with others if they are infected with the coronavirus, although this is no longer a legal requirement.

The British Medical Association Doctors’ Federation is calling for clear public health guidance that people should not go to work, school or socialise when they are sick. This is not only to help patients recover, but also to reduce their risk of spreading the virus to others.

It states that adequate sickness benefits must be guaranteed to all, including casual workers.

Vaccines remain the key to protection.

Those most at risk — those who are clinically extremely vulnerable — were given extra doses to boost their defenses against serious disease.

Although injections are not 100% effective, data suggest that for many cancer patients, for example, these doses help to give good level of protection.

The Department of Health and Social Care said those most vulnerable should follow the same advice as the public – but consider taking extra precautions to reduce their risk.

You should seek advice from your healthcare professional on whether additional precautions are appropriate for you.

hint Advice for the most at-risk groups in England, updated on 24 December:

Experts say it cannot be overemphasized that staying away from others can have an impact on mental health and that everyone must make their own judgments.

distance sensitive badge – which suggests that someone may want more space – which may be an option for people who are afraid of socializing with others.

Others suggested families could Provide high quality masksLike the ones some paramedics wear for protection.

Another useful kit is a pulse oximeter — a small device worn on the finger that indicates blood oxygen levels. GPs can advise people to check their levels when they are sick and go to hospital if they are low.

There’s some left drug Now available to the most vulnerable.

These include antiviral drugs such as ritonavir and monupavir.

Which treatments are most effective for Covid?

They need to be started as soon as possible after contracting the virus, so it’s best to keep a spare Covid test at home to use as soon as symptoms develop.

People can also study Run by the University of Oxford, which is open to Covid patients aged 50 or over, whose health conditions put them at additional risk.

Another trial will see if high-risk groups can benefit preventive medicine before exposure to Covid.

There are likely to be more treatments and technologies to help people protect themselves from the virus. But for some, the next few months will bring big changes.

If you are anxious or struggling to lift restrictions, NHS and Charity Have any other suggestions.

Gemma Peters, chief executive of the UK blood cancer charity, said the government must provide extra support for vulnerable groups, including making sure coronavirus treatment is easily accessible.