Self-isolation rules are changing in some parts of the UK today, with double-jabbed adults no longer needing to quarantine if they are a close contact.
People living in England and Northern Ireland who have had two doses of the vaccine don't have to self-isolate if they have come into contact with someone who has tested positive.
Scotland's new self-isolation rules have already come into force after the country moved beyond Level 0 last week, with a raft of restrictions easing.
One important rule that changed is self-isolation - a core part of the pandemic since coronavirus was first identified.
Under the old rules, anyone who was a close contact with someone who tested positive was required to isolate, regardless of vaccination status.
So, what are Scotland's self-isolation rules and are they the same as the UK?
Do I have to isolate if I come into contact with a positive case?
Beyond Level 0, the requirement to self-isolate as a close contact of a positive case has changed for fully vaccinated individuals, as long as you remain asymptomatic.
You do not need to self-isolate as a close contact if you:
- Are fully vaccinated and 14 days has passed since your second dose of vaccination
- You have taken a negative PCR test since being advised to isolate as a close contact. You must remain in self-isolation while awaiting the result of the PCR test result
- You do not develop COVID-19 symptoms. If symptoms develop at any stage, you must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test, in line with existing arrangements
What are the rules for fully vaccinated people?
You do not need to self-isolate as a close contact if you are fully vaccinated and 14 days has passed since your second dose of vaccination, and you have a negative PCR test.
Adults who are not fully vaccinated must continue to self-isolate for 10 days if identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive.
If you are not fully vaccinated, receiving a negative PCR test result after identification as a close contact does not permit you to leave self-isolation.
What are the rules for England, Northern Ireland and Wales?
Double-jabbed people in England and Northern Ireland will no longer have to isolate if they come into contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.
Instead of having to quarantine for 10 days, they are now advised to take a PCR test - but this is not compulsory.
In Wales, double vaccinated adults can escape isolation if they come into contact with a positive coronavirus case - although they will be advised to take PCR tests on day two and day eight.
What are the rules for children?
If a young person aged five to 17 is identified as a close contact, they will need to take a PCR test – but they can end their self-isolation if they test negative.
Close contacts under the age of five will be encouraged to take a PCR test. However, there is no requirement on under fives to self-isolate - provided they do not develop symptoms.
What happens if I test positive?
People who test positive must still self-isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms, or from the date of the positive test if displaying no symptoms.
What about travelling abroad?
Self-isolation rules will still apply for travelling abroad according the to traffic light system.
The green list - has no quarantine for returning passengers.
The amber list - fully vaccinated adults in the UK, the US and most European countries don't have to self-isolate upon arrival.
The red list - adults regardless of vaccination status must self-isolate for 10 days in a government-approved quarantine hotel for 10 days.
