healthcare system, where the rise in cases is also causing increased workload, the government announced an exemption for fully-vaccinated staff in exceptional circumstances.
The new rules will apply to staff whose absence would cause a significant risk of harm. Those considered eligible will need to test negative for the virus, and take daily tests throughout the period they would have been required to isolate for. "As we learn to live with this virus, it's important that we ensure frontline staff can keep providing the best possible care and support to people up and down the country," said health minister Sajid Javid, who is himself in isolation after testing positive on Saturday.