Sajid Javid says 'we're in a much better place' ahead of Covid isolation rules being scrapped

Sajid Javid believes there is now better protection from the coronavirus than at any other point in the pandemic as self-isolation rules are expected to be dropped.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News on a visit to his hometown Rochdale today (February 16), the Health Secretary said that a final decision on ending self-isolation rules would be 'led by the data'.

It comes after Greater Manchester's public health leader labelled plans to ditch the self-isolation rule as 'concerning' earlier this week.

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Prof Kate Ardern questioned whether there could be a 'knock-on effect' on Greater Manchester, which has seen high Covid rates during large parts of the pandemic.

A possible early end to the final Covid restrictions in England, including rules on self-isolation, was suggested by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week - but Mr Javid told the M.E.N. it would only go ahead if supported by data.

He said: "Obviously as a country we've been through a very challenging time, and it's not over yet.

"The pandemic is still there, but we are in a much better place than we have been in a long time.

"When it comes to self-isolation, if the current trend in data continues, we will look to lift those self-isolation restrictions earlier than March.

"I understand Greater Manchester has had differential rates, but in every part of the country we are seeing a decline overall and an improving situation."

All 10 Greater Manchester boroughs currently have a Covid rate below the English average, with case numbers continuing to fall from the peak of the Omicron wave earlier in the winter.

The region has also seen a 12% drop in the number of Covid