As the UK looks ahead to life without the coronavirus, many people will be keen to see an end to restrictions like self-isolation periods.
However, cases currently remain high and were recorded as 74,799 for January 23.
Plan B measures, meanwhile, expire on January 26, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government already removed restrictions on the wearing of masks in the classroom and ended work-from-home guidance.
The end of Plan B has no bearing on rules for self-isolating, though, which has also seen a big change in recent weeks.
The period recently saw a cut in the hope that this would address a shortage in NHS staff and teachers.
So what are the current rules regarding self-isolation?
What are the current rules for self-isolating?
People should already begin isolating once they feel they have one of the three following symptoms:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
People are recommended to isolate if they have other symptoms as the Omicron variant can appear in people in various ways. The important thing is to take a test as soon as possible after possible symptoms appear.
People are only free from isolation after five full days, so day six after testing, and can only leave quarantine if they test negative on a daily lateral flow test twice consecutively.
If you live in the same household as someone with Covid-19, you must self-isolate unless you meet one of the following criteria:
- You are fully vaccinated (two doses of an approved vaccine)
- You are under the age of 18
- You are taking part in an approved vaccine trial
- You are exempt for medical reasons
When do self-isolation rules change?
The current self-isolation rules in England are now in place until March 24.
The PM has indicated that the government does not expect self-isolation rules to continue past this point. If the data allows for it, the government will also look at scrapping the rules before the deadline.
In the House of Commons, Johnson said: "The self-isolation regulations expire on March 24, at which point I very much expect not to renew them.
"Indeed were the data to allow, I would like to seek a vote in this House to bring that date forwards.
"In advance of that, we will set out our long-term strategy for living with Covid-19."
What to do if you test positive for Covid
According to the NHS, you only need to confirm a positive LFT with a PCR if:
- you're applying for a Test and Trace Support Payment
- you're eligible for new Covid-19 treatments
- you're asked to do so as part of research
- you have a positive rapid lateral flow test on or before day 2 of arriving in England from outside the UK
You can report your positive LFT on the government website, here.
Once a person tests positive through a lateral flow test, they must begin isolating for five full days.
If you are in the same household as someone, you can reduce the spread of the virus by keeping away from them, keeping shared spaces well-ventilated, surfaces clean and your hands regularly washed.
