Changes to the rules around coronavirus testing will come into force next week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced.
Currently, anyone who tests positive using a rapid lateral flow test, which can be taken at home, has to get a follow-up PCR test, which needs to be sent off to a lab, to confirm the result.
However, from next Tuesday (January 11), the government has said it will no longer be a requirement to get a PCR test following a positive lateral flow test in England.
READ MORE:
Anyone who tests positive with a lateral flow device (LFD) will still need to self-isolate for the required period.
It is now possible to end the 10-day self-isolation period after seven days if you test negative using a lateral flow on days six and seven of quarantine, and the tests are taken 24 hours apart.
The rules around testing for people with symptoms will remain the same. Anyone who experiences any of three main coronavirus symptoms - a new continuous cough, a fever or a loss of taste or smell - should get a PCR test immediately.
The UKHSA said the change to the rules would be “temporary”, adding that the chances of a false positive result were “very low” because Covid-19 is currently so prevalent.
It is hoped that the move will free up capacity in laboratories for PCR tests for those who have Covid-19 symptoms.
UKHSA chief executive Dame Jenny Harries said: “While cases of Covid continue to rise, this tried-and-tested approach means that LFDs can be used confidently to indicate Covid-19 infection without the need for PCR confirmation.
“It remains really important that anyone who experiences Covid-19 symptoms self-isolates immediately. They should also order a PCR test on 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 public health behaviours, as this is the most effective way of stopping the spread of the virus and keeping our friends, families and communities safe.”
Meanwhile, pre-departure coronavirus tests for travellers arriving in the UK are likely to be scrapped soon too.
The testing rules for international travel will be discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet’s Covid-19 operations (Covid-O) committee on Wednesday.
It is understood that transport secretary Grant Shapps is pressing for a relaxation of restrictions to help the airline sector.
