Table 2 Major pandemic prevention and control policies in the UK during the second wave^a

Testing measures

In April 2021, the UK government launched a universal free COVID-19 testing program, offering free rapid COVID-19 testing to all citizens twice a week.

Border control measures

(1) From 11 January 2021, all passengers arriving in the UK on international flights, ships and trains were required to show proof of a negative nucleic acid test within 72 hours of departure when entering the UK.

(2) All travelers from countries outside the Government’s Travel Corridor List were required to self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in the UK.

(3) All travelers were required to complete a passenger location form and be subject to lockdown within 48 hours of arrival in the UK.

Community and social measures

(1) Gatherings of more than six people were banned in England in mid-September 2020.

(2) By the end of September 2020, bars and restaurants were operated on limited hours, and the wearing of face masks was extended to retail, cab and hotel staff, with fines for violators.

(3)The three-tier alert system for England was announced, with “medium”, “high” and “very high” levels, each corresponding to different levels of severity and response.

(4)In December 2020, the self-quarantine period for close contacts was reduced from 14 days to 10 days.

Blockade measures

(1) On 14 October 2020, the UK implemented tier-three lockdown measures, with different levels of restrictions in different areas depending on the severity of the coronavirus outbreak.

(2) On 5 November 2020, the second lockdown in 4 weeks was imposed in England, with schools remaining open, non-essential shops and gyms closed and people staying at home without special needs. An “enhanced” three-tier alert system was implemented since the lockdown ended.

(3) On 19 December 2020, the Christmas reunion programme was cancelled, and all areas of the south East of England in Tier 3 were upgraded to Tier 4, the strictest level.

(4) On 5 January 2021, the third round of COVID-19 lockdown measures was launched, requiring people to stay at home until mid-February, not to go out unless necessary, and to close all schools and most shops.

COVID-19 vaccination measures

(1) The MHRA gave regulatory approval to the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine on 2 December 2020.

(2) Vaccination began on 8 December 2020 in 70 hospitals within the country with storage conditions.

(3) On 30 December 2020, the MHRA approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for use in a two-dose schedule.

(4) Delayed the second dose of Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine and extended the interval between the two doses to 12 weeks, allowing for more people to be immunised with a first dose.

(5) The government developed mass vaccination centres, staffed by trained health workers.

(6) In order to improve access in disadvantaged communities, there have been vaccination sites in religious buildings such as churches and mosques as well as “pop-up” and mobile sites.

Relaxed pandemic prevention measures

(1) In early December 2020, the lockdown was fully lifted and most of England was classified into phase 2 and 3.

(2) On 22 February 2021, four steps to relax pandemic containment measures in England.

(3) On 29 March 2021, the UK entered the first phase of lifting the lockdown, allowing outdoor gatherings of fewer than six people, opening up outdoor sports fields and restoring outdoor team sports.

s(4) On 12 April 2021, the UK moved into phase two to lift lockdown, allowing outdoor meals for more than six people, opening entertainment venues, allowing outdoor dining, allowing travel between England and Wales, opening driving schools and relaunching driving tests.