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23 July 2021 / Fred Philpott
Issue: 7942 / Categories: Opinion , Covid-19 , Public , Criminal
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Covid law v Covid myth

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The law on self-isolation should be clear, but is it? Fred Philpott investigates

The message is: ‘You need to self-isolate’. This is the notification you get if you have used the NHS Covid-19 smartphone app and someone else who has checked in at the same venue within a certain time span has tested positive for Covid. The word ‘need’ is interesting. It can be used and taken to mean a benign suggestion such as ‘you need a drink’ or ‘you need to get some rest’. Alternatively, it can have a mandatory connotation which is clearly the way it is intended in respect of Covid.

The new regime

Nearly all legal restrictions relating to Covid were due to have ended on 19 July 2021. However, the strongest possible ‘advice’ is now in force from the government. It may be the ‘right’ thing to do is to follow the advice as regards, for example, wearing a mask on a crowded train.

This change in regime gives an opportunity to begin

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Partner joinscorporate and finance practice in British Virgin Islands

Dawson Cornwell—Naomi Angell

Dawson Cornwell—Naomi Angell

Firm strengthens children department with adoption and surrogacy expert

Penningtons Manches Cooper—Graham Green

Penningtons Manches Cooper—Graham Green

Media and technology expert joins employment team as partner in Cambridge

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