Learning to live with COVID-19

Welcome to this June issue of Journal of Prescribing Practice. It's been a busy time since I last wrote to you all. We have welcomed our new Editor Polly and a lot has been happening in the healthcare sector in the UK.

COVID-19 is much less at the forefront of our media outlets these days, but this past week I've had a stark reminder that it has not gone away. Just 3 weeks after being boosted again, my husband and I have contracted COVID.

My husband is a frontline healthcare worker and, like many in his position, is being exposed to this. What we have seen is a reduction in mask wearing in general life, but also a relaxation in many healthcare settings, too. Mask wearing in primary care is no longer mandated in many areas across England and the rest of the UK. A quick Google search will show you guidance and statements for many UK Trusts on their current policy. This relaxation also comes at a time when NHS England has released national COVID-19 testing guidance for NHS workers (McKay, 2023). Now only those working in high-risk clinical environments or when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID are required to wear masks.