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COVID-19
Posted or Updated on 20 Feb 2024
Updated Guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) stay at home and do not leave your house.
New DHSC guidance regarding self-isolation after a positive Covid test
From Monday, 17 January, people with Covid-19 in England can end their self-isolation after five full days.
It is crucial that people isolating with Covid-19 wait until they have received two negative lateral flow tests on two consecutive days to reduce the chance of still being infectious.
The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day.
If an individual is positive on day 5, then a negative test is required on day 6 and day 7 to release from isolation.
Two negative lateral flow tests must be taken on consecutive days and reported before individuals return to their job or education, if leaving self-isolation earlier than the full 10-day period. (For instance, if an individual is positive on day 5, then a negative test is required on both day 6 and day 7 to release from self-isolation, or positive on day 6, then a negative test is required on days 7 and 8, and so on until the end of day 10.)
Those who leave self-isolation on or after day 6 are strongly advised to wear face coverings and limit close contact with other people in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, work from home if they can do so and minimise contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with Covid-19.
The default self-isolation period continues to be 10 days, and you may only leave self-isolation early if you have taken two LFDs and do not have a temperature in line with guidance.
- This action will help protect others in your community whilst you are infectious
- Plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home
- Ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home
- Stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home whenever possible sleep alone, if that is possible
- Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water
- Stay away from vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions as much as possible
- You do not need to call NHS 111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better
- Contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999
Only call 111 if you cannot first get help online.