Covid isolation cut from 10 days to seven with test

There has been an overnight change to policy on testing for people infected with COVID-19 in England. From today anyone who is infected with COVID-19 can stop self-isolating up to three days early if they test negative twice.

They will now be able to end quarantine after seven days instead of 10 by providing negative lateral flow results on day six and day seven.

The policy change is based on latest guidance from health experts and intended to minimise disruption caused by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. It is stressed that ppeople should not end their isolation early if they are still experiencing symptoms.

The change comes amid a spike in cases caused by the new Omicron variant, which has created staff shortages for businesses, health services and rail services.

People ending isolation on day seven are strongly advised to limit contact with vulnerable people, not visit crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and work from home.

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.

Read more about COVID testing in Haringey