Ending a periodic tenancy advice

Possession - Section 8 and Section 21

Hello. Apologies if this has been asked before.

My tenant is on a periodic tenancy due to the fixed term contract ending, in the contract it states that 2 months notice is required to end this periodic tenancy.

Can I arrange to give them 2 months notice in writing as per the contract or do I HAVE to use a section 21 to give them notice?

The reason I ask is because a section 21 now requires 6 months notice period due to Covid (I believe). If it is the case that I HAVE to use a section 21 to give notice then I would rather avoid this due to the 6 months period.

The reason I am asking is because I need somewhere to live (sooner rather than later) and my options are either move into the property or rent elsewhere.

Please note the tenant are not in arrears and have not broken contract or anything similar, they are great tenants and I would not be considering this if I didn’t need somewhere to live.

Thanks for any advice
M