Does your household need to self isolate if you test positive for Covid?

With Covid rules changing across the UK recently, it can be confusing to know exactly what the latest requirements are.

Record numbers of people are testing positive for coronavirus, with 3.7 million cases confirmed in the week ending 31 December - the highest amount since comparable data began in autumn 2020.

In England, the figures translate to one in 15 people in private households being infected with Covid in that same week.

It's estimated that more than 1.2 million people are isolating after testing positive for the virus since Wednesday 29 December.

Read more: Worry over new Covid rule that could see workers stay off sick for 28 days - with no proof of illness

Scotland was the last of the devolved nations to cut the self-isolation period from 10 days to seven - a measure that came into effect at midnight on 5 January.

The new rule brings the country in line with England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

And from Tuesday 11 January, follow-up PCR tests for positive lateral flow results will be temporarily suspended in England for asymptomatic people, in an effort to curb testing kit shortages and potentially shorten self-isolation periods.

Confirmatory PCR tests for asymptomatic people who test positive on a lateral flow will no longer be required in Scotland and Wales from 6 January.

Those self-isolating in England might also be able to claim a £500 Test and Trace support payment from their local council.

But there is still some uncertainty around when households need to self-isolate - and when they don't.

I've tested positive - does my household need to isolate?

According to the NHS, if you live with or have been in contact with someone with Covid, you will not need to self-isolate if any of the following apply and you live in England:

• you're fully vaccinated – this means 14 days have passed since your final dose of an approved Covid-19 vaccine
• you're under 18 years and 6 months old
• you're taking part or have taken part in an approved Covid-19 vaccine trial
• you're not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Even if you do not have any coronavirus symptoms, you're strongly advised to:

• do daily rapid lateral flow tests (1 a day for 7 days), if you’re fully vaccinated, to protect yourself and others from Covid
• follow advice on how to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus
• consider limiting contact with people who are at higher risk from COVID-19