Self-isolating

Self-isolation means staying at home.

Individuals must self-isolate immediately if:

• they have any symptoms of Covid-19 (see page 16);

• they have tested positive for Covid-19;

• someone they live with has symptoms or tested positive;

• they have been told they have been in contact with someone who tested positive by NHS Test and Trace (see page 29) or the NHS Covid-19 app (although see below); or

• they have arrived in England from abroad from a “red list” country, or from an “amber list” country and have not been fully vaccinated (see the NHS web guidance on self-isolation).

From 16 August 2021, “double-vaccinated” people and those aged under 18 no longer have to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of someone with Covid-19.

Anyone notified by NHS Test and Trace of a positive test result must complete the full isolation period. This starts immediately from when their symptoms started, or, if they do not have any symptoms, from when their test was taken. The isolation period includes the day the symptoms started, or the day the test was taken if they do not have symptoms, and the next 10 full days.

The latest official guidance on self-isolation can be found on the government’s gov.uk website.