New lateral flow and PCR testing rules have been introduced today with changes to what you need to do if you test positive with Covid.
The government has announced that people who test positive with Covid from a lateral flow test in England, and are not displaying any symptoms, will not be required to follow up with a PCR test.
But those who test positive will still need to self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status, and register the result on GOV.UK so that NHS Test and Trace can trace your contacts.
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During the 10-day self-isolation period, if you test negative using a lateral flow test on days six and seven you can end self-isolation early - but the tests must be taken 24 hours apart.
Anyone who has one of the core symptoms of COVID-19 – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – should self-isolate and take a PCR test.
There are also other situations where people will still need a confirmatory PCR following a positive lateral flow test. These are:
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People who wish to claim the Test and Trace Support Payment
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People who have received an email or letter from the NHS because of a health condition that means they may be suitable for new COVID-19 treatments
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People who are taking lateral flow tests as part of research or surveillance programmes
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People who have a positive day 2 lateral flow test result after arriving in England
While the UKHSA acknowledge that the rule changes were temporary, they noted that the chances of false-positive PCR tests are unlikely due to the virus' prevalence.
The key aim of the rules changes it to free up laboratory space where PCR tests can be readily available for people who have Covid-19 symptoms.
Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Dr Jenny Harries, said: "This is a tried and tested approach. With COVID-19 cases high, we can confidently say lateral flow tests can be used to indicate COVID-19 without the need for PCR confirmation.
"If you test positive on an LFD, you should self-isolate immediately and register your result to allow contact tracing to take place. It also remains really important that anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms self-isolates and gets a PCR test via GOV.UK, or by phoning 119.
"I’m really grateful to the public and all of our critical workers who continue to test regularly and self-isolate when necessary, along with other practical and important behaviours to limit transmission of the virus, as this is the most effective way of stopping the spread of infection and keeping our friends, families and communities safe."
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: "Our world-leading testing system is protecting millions of people from COVID-19.
"Since the emergence of the Omicron variant, the public has been playing their part with hundreds of thousands coming forward to get tested and jabbed every day.
"Today’s change will help ensure those who need PCR tests can access them, and I encourage everyone to keep using our highly accurate lateral flow tests regularly and to Get Boosted Now."
