While Prime Minister Boris Johnson is fighting for his political survival, there is a noticeable relaxation on the Corona front.

On Wednesday, the cabinet decided to abolish the corona regulations imposed in England in December.

"We can go back to Plan A," Johnson said in Parliament.

The home office requirement ends.

Many companies and shops in the inner cities had complained about it.

The corona vaccination certificates for major events, which are unpopular among Tory MPs, will also be abolished again next week.

Philip Pickert

Business correspondent based in London.

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The legal obligation to wear a mask in public transport, shops or schools also ends.

This surprise announcement by Johnson was greeted with jubilation by the Conservatives.

Trust the judgment of citizens to make their own decisions about the need for masks, Johnson said.

"No one is criminalized who decides otherwise." After a positive test, citizens must continue to be in quarantine.

After two negative tests, they can leave after five days.

On March 24th, the obligation to self-isolate is expected to fall completely.

However, Johnson warned: “We have to continue to be careful.” And he added: “Omicron is not a mild disease, especially if you are not vaccinated.” 90 percent of patients in intensive care are not boosted, i.e. triple vaccinated.

The corona wave currently seems to be clearly on the retreat.

Compared to the Omicron peak shortly after the New Year, the number of daily positive tests has halved and is now below 100,000 on a seven-day average.

The number of hospital admissions is only half as high as last winter.

Epidemiologist and government adviser Andrew Hayward from Imperial College spoke of a "really optimistic picture" and "very encouraging signs".

In Scotland, too, infections have fallen significantly, so Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants to abolish some corona regulations.

Johnson under heavy pressure

The economy and especially the gastronomy are pleased with the easing. Prime Minister Johnson hopes to score with the end of the remaining corona restrictions. He's been under a lot of pressure over the garden party affair during lockdown.

The population is worried about inflation.

The ONS statistics office reported that the consumer price inflation rate climbed to 5.4 percent in December.

Food prices in particular have risen.

Finance Minister Rishi Sunak said, "I understand the pressure people are facing with the cost of living at the moment." He pointed out that various tax hikes have been suspended.

The unemployment rate has fallen to 4.1 percent, so there is full employment, especially in the south of the country.

Companies offer employees higher wages.

The central bank has begun to tighten monetary policy with a first interest rate hike.