All remaining legal Covid restrictions in England are set to be scrapped, including the need to isolate following a positive test.
And the announcement has been welcomed by event professionals from across the sector, with beam consultant executive director Juliet Price declaring that "the handbrake is off!"
The prime minister announced that people who test positive for Covid will no longer need to isolate by law from Thursday 24 February, while free lateral flow testing will stop on 1 April.
Announcing the measures to MPs, Boris Johnson said: "Let us learn to live with this virus and continue protecting ourselves and others without restrictions on our freedoms."
Reacting to the news, Juliet Price said: “The lifting of Plan B restrictions kick-started the recovery with a surge of bookings and contract confirmations, and that momentum has continued.
“Finally the handbrake is off. This will give delegates the confidence to travel and the industry to move into top gear, booking confidently and being part of a worldwide resurgence of events.
‘We also hope this will give the industry greater confidence to drive recruitment and invest in workforces to meet the uplift in demand.’
“This is an industry of highly professional specialists who have adapted their working practices to ensure the safety of delegates and I’m sure that they will remain vigilant to minimise the chances of further disruption. Now that we are getting back to business, we want to continue that way.”
Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive of the mia, said: “While yesterday’s announcement does not yet declare victory over Covid-19, it will provide many organisations with security and confidence that recent business meetings and events levels will remain.
“During a two-year period which has been a rollercoaster for consumer confidence, it remains paramount that we as an industry continue to demonstrate the highest of safety and hygiene standards. Although restrictions are coming to an end, rigorous and enhanced cleaning and control protocols that have been adopted should remain to showcase the sector’s ongoing commitment to service, safety and hygiene.
“We will shortly be issuing our own guidance in line with the latest announcement, which will serve as a tool to guide venues and suppliers through this latest transition. While we are optimistic that the sector can now move forward, it must do so with caution to demonstrate its compliance with best practice principles. I am confident that this approach will boost consumer confidence and support the industry to meet again."
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
