Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce levels of covid-19 infections.

Following the publication of ‘COVID-19 Response: Living with COVID-19’, our guidance has transitioned to encouraging responsible behaviours, while targeting protection towards those most at risk from the virus.

The COVID-19 vaccination and booster programme and the availability of antiviral treatments has ensured a reduced risk of severe illness or hospitalisation. While self-isolation is no longer be required and testing no longer be recommended for those not at high risk, public health advice for anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or their household contacts recommends avoiding contact with other people where possible, as with any other infectious disease. The Government continues to keep this response under review to ensure it remains effective and proportionate.