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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:

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: