Rules on Self-Isolating
SELF-ISOLATING - THE RULES FOR THOSE WHO SHOW SYMPTOMS OF COVID OR HAVE A POSITIVE TEST, AND FOR THEIR HOUSEHOLD/CONTACTS
When to self-isolate
Self-isolate straight away and get a PCR test (a test that is sent to the lab) on GOV.UK as soon as possible if you have or any of these 3 symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
The self-isolation advice for people who have Covid has changed. It is now possible to end self-isolation after 7 days, following 2 negative Lateral Flow tests taken 24 hours apart. The first LFD test should not be taken before the sixth day.
You should self-isolate straight away if:
- you've tested positive for COVID-19 by a PCR or Lateral Flow test – this means you have the virus
- someone you live with has symptoms or has tested positive, but see below for rules on this.
- you've been told to self-isolate following contact with someone who tested positive – find out what to do if you're told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app
Self-Isolation for contacts of cases
- If you come into contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid, you must self-isolate for 10 days if you are unvaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated plus 2 weeks then you need not isolate but should take a Lateral Flow Test (LFT) every day for 7 days. If you test positive in that time then you must get a PCR test and follow the rules for positive cases.
Even if you do not have symptoms, you should still:
- do a Lateral Flow Test and/or get a PCR test on GOV.UK to check if you have COVID-19
- follow advice on how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19
- consider limiting contact with people who are at higher risk from COVID-19
- you've been told to self-isolate following contact with someone who tested positive – find out what to do if you're told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app