The rules relating to Covid-19 restrictions changed once again today, as England returned to Plan A.  

The relaxation of Plan B measures, which were brought in to tackle the Omicron variant, comes as daily cases remain high in the county - with 1,494 cases recorded yesterday. 

More rules are expected to be relaxed on Monday, January 31. 

Some measures, such as working from home and face masks in schools, have already been dropped. 

READ MORE: Oxford High School headteacher says isolation damages mental health

These are all the changes Oxfordshire residents need to know: 

What are the new rules from January 27? 

  • Venues, such as theatres, will no longer have to legally use the Covid-19 passport system. However, they can voluntarily if they wish to. 
  • Masks are no longer legally required in any setting. People will be encouraged to wear them in crowded settings but legally they cannot be forced. 

However, it is still a legal requirement for those with COVID-19 to self-isolate for 10 days, with the option to end self-isolation after five days following two negative Lateral Flow Tests. 

Self-isolation is expected to be scrapped in March. 

Rules will also be relaxed for care homes next week.

Do I need to wear a mask in the theatre in Oxford? 

As the use of Covid-19 pass is now voluntary, venues can still choose to use them and also still encourage people to wear a face covering. 

Although the rules on masks and passes have changed the New Theatre Oxford will still continue to ask theatregoers to wear masks. 

A staff member at the theatre told the Oxford Mail they were "not aware" of any changes to their current proceedures. 

The North Wall Arts Centre, however, is following latest Government advice where masks are no longer mandatory in the venue. 

A staff member did say that the centre is "actively encouraging people to wear them while they are in the gallery and theatre". 

What are the new rules from January 31? 

  • There will be no limit on the number of visitors to care homes.   
  • Isolation periods will be cut and the homes will only have to follow outbreak rules for 14 days instead of 28.

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