Boris Johnson's strategy for 'living with Covid' - five things he could announce next week

Boris Johnson is expected to unveil his plan for 'living with Covid' next week.

It is understood the prime minister will be outlining a number of changes to coronavirus testing and surveillance.

He is expected to deliver his post-pandemic plan of action when Parliament returns from a short recess on Monday.

Mr Johnson has already stated that he wants to lift the legal requirement for those positive with Covid to self-isolate by the end of the month.

This week, James Heappey, the armed forces minister, said it was time to “reconsider” whether some pandemic measures should remain in place as he argued Brits need to “change behaviours” in the face of future coronavirus variants potentially being less threatening.

Here's what we know about some of the announcements that could be made on Monday.

Mr Johnson is likely to announce an end to the provision of free lateral flow tests, according to widespread reports.

Packs of the do-at-home tests, which can provide results within as little as 15 minutes, are currently provided to all households by the NHS for free.

But people wanting to take a test before visiting vulnerable relatives or large events may be asked to pay for them in the future.

Asked on Thursday if the free Covid tests would be scrapped next week, health secretary Sajid Javid said “the protections we’ve enjoyed over the last few months” should be “reviewed”.

Another minister, Mr Heappey, asked whether the offer will be “taken away”, said: “I think that is the direction of travel but the PM will shortly announce his conclusions on that.”

Mr Johnson has been warned against the move by health professionals.

In a poll of more than 300 senior staff in England, the NHS Confederation found 79 per cent strongly disagreed or