My Lords, I start by thanking my noble friend for stepping into the breach unexpectedly. In moving the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Entry to Venues and Events) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 I will speak also to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation) (England) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 2021. These regulations are part of the Government’s balanced, proportionate and evidence-led approach to managing the virus.
Test, trace and self-isolation measures remain an important part of our line of defence, but we continue to keep our approach under review as we learn more and gather more data, to ensure that we have an evidence-led response. The self-isolation regulations we are debating today made important changes to the rules from 9 December by helping to align our domestic and international arrivals self-isolation policy on vaccination recognition. This issue has been raised many times and I know these changes are welcomed by many noble Lords. The regulations mean that a person who has been vaccinated outside the UK is exempt from self-isolation if identified as a close contact of a positive Covid-19 case, if their vaccine status is recognised for the purpose of international travel rules. Those who have taken part in qualifying clinical trials abroad are also exempt from self-isolation if they are a close contact of a positive case.
The regulations also clarify the process for those who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons to provide evidence of this in line with the Covid-19 pass scheme. We hope these changes will benefit visitors to the UK, returning UK nationals who have been vaccinated abroad, international students and families with relatives overseas. This is part of the Government’s approach to ensuring that the regulations are balanced and proportionate to the risks we face from the virus.
Financial support measures continue to be available to people who are required to self-isolate because they have tested positive for Covid-19 or been identified as a close contact and are not in one of the exempt groups. The Government are also continuing to provide funding to enable local authorities to offer support to those who are eligible and require assistance to self-isolate.
Since 15 December, showing evidence of being fully vaccinated, a negative lateral flow test in the past 48 hours, proof of medical exemption or evidence of participation in a clinical trial has been a condition of entry into certain settings in England. This was introduced following parliamentary approval as part of the package of plan B measures in response to the omicron variant. The regulations that we are debating today make small amendments to correct some minor cross-referencing errors and an omission in the original regulations. They correct how venues calculate attendee thresholds and adhere to spot-check criteria, and they provide a designation to a police authority that collects fixed penalty notices. The correcting regulations were made as soon as possible and came into force at 6 am on 15 December, in line with the original regulations.
Perhaps I should stress that the NHS Covid pass was not seen, and is not seen, as a vaccine passport. People have different ways in which to show how they are eligible. An NHS Covid pass can be obtained either through full vaccination or by showing proof of a negative lateral flow test in the last 48 hours, proof of a medical exemption or evidence of participation in a medical trial. We recognise that certification does not on its own eliminate the possibility of infectious people attending or transmitting the virus in those settings but it does help reduce risks in these settings.
As the Government have said, restrictions must be an absolute last resort and we should not keep them in place for a day longer than absolutely necessary. The Prime Minister has announced today that plan B measures introduced to respond to the omicron wave will end. For certification, this means that mandatory vaccination or test certification in night clubs and large events will end when the regulations expire at the end of 26 January. Updated guidance will be published that encourages voluntary use of vaccine or test certification in those settings, supported by continued availability of the NHS Covid pass.
However, we also want to remind people that it is not over yet. While we are relaxing some of the measures, we should continue to be vigilant. We encourage ventilation and masks to be worn in crowded or close spaces, but we want to trust the judgment of the British people. The most important thing that we can do to safeguard lives and protect the NHS from being overwhelmed, and for economic recovery, is for everyone to get their vaccines and get boosted now. I remind
anyone listening that it is not too late to get your first or second vaccination. We encourage everyone to come forward.
I end by thanking everyone working in our system of health and social care for all their tremendous efforts in again supporting our country in these challenging times. I look forward to hearing the valuable contributions from noble Lords to this debate. I beg to move.