Government Scrambles to Extend Exemption Scheme for Critical Workers Amid Rising Disruptions
England is bracing for weeks of disruption to vital services, including waste collection, transport, and food supply, as a large number of workers self-isolate after being alerted by the NHS Covid app. Companies and local councils have warned of chaos, with growing concerns over the impact of the “pingdemic” on the economy.
The government is working to expand the self-isolation exemption scheme for critical workers. Initially, only a small group of workers in the food supply and healthcare sectors were allowed to take daily tests instead of isolating. However, following warnings from industries such as transport and freight, No 10 has proposed adding police, fire, border staff, and additional transport services to the exemption list.
Amid rising cases and the threat of delays, there’s also speculation that the planned date of August 16 for lifting isolation requirements for the fully vaccinated might be postponed.
