In an attempt to save Christmas for as many Brits as possible, the UK government has decided to slash the self-isolation period upon exposure to COVID from 10 to seven days.
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What are the new procedures?
Those in quarantine will have to take two mandatory lateral flow tests at the end of their isolation period to confirm their negative status. This means that a test will have to be taken on day six, followed by another one 24 hours later on the seventh and last day of their isolation period.
In other words, those who tested positive between 15 December and 17 December will be able to enjoy Christmas with their families, so long as they test negative at the end of their quarantine. Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, said that this new measure will ensure that as many people as 280,000 Brits will now be able to spend Christmas with their loved ones. Still, he urged all people to get their booster jabs as soon as possible. In a statement, he said:
We want to reduce the disruption from Covid-19 to people’s everyday lives. Following advice from our clinical experts, we are reducing the self-isolation period from 10 days to seven if you test negative on an LFD test for two days running.
And added:
It’s vital people keep playing their part by testing regularly and isolating if they test positive. And I urge you to get boosted now to protect yourself and those around you.
Brits to remain vigilant
Despite the ease of self-isolation, health experts everywhere are urging people to remain vigilant of any and all symptoms they might start to experience. UKHSA chief executive, Dr Jenny Harries, recommends PCR testing as soon as possible as cases continues to explode all across the nation. She explains that:
Covid-19 is spreading quickly among the population and the pace at which Omicron is transmitting may pose a risk to our critical public services during winter.This new guidance will help break chains of transmission and minimise the impact on lives and livelihoods.
Before adding:
It is crucial that people carry out their LFD tests as the new guidance states and continue to follow public health advice.
