The period that people have to isolate if they test positive for Covid is to be reduced from ten days to seven, the Government has announced providing they take two lateral flow tests at the end of that period.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said infected patients can take the tests 24 hours apart on day six and seven of their isolation period, which if negative means they can stop quarantining.
However those who are not double-jabbed will still have to isolate for the full 10 days if they are a close contact of a positive case, as is currently the case.
The agency said the new self-isolation rules reflected updated medical advice, which would be published “in due course”.
Its chief executive, Dr Jenny Harries, said the new rules would “help break chains of transmission” while minimising “the impact on lives and livelihoods”.
