Recent changes in Covid rules as England fully embraces the government's 'Plan B' means that certain people are not required to self-isolate if they've been in close contact with an infected person.
If you have been in close contact with someone who is infected with the coronavirus, you will likely be contacted by test and trace informing you that you may have to self-isolate.
Usually, the message will inform you whether you need to self-isolate or not and if you should order a PCR test as soon as possible to see if you have caught the virus.
Even if you do not have to self-isolate, you should still take extra care and practice personal health measures to help avoid catching or spreading Covid-19.
If you are caught avoiding self-isolation when you are legally required to do so, the police could fine you up to £1,000 for a first offence which can jump as high as £10,000 for repeated offences.
When do I not have to self-isolate?
You do not need to self-isolate as long as you meet one of the following criteria:
- You’re fully vaccinated
- You’re below the age of 18 years
- You’ve taken part in or are currently part of an approved Covid-19 vaccine trial
- You’re not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons
Meanwhile, those aged five years and over who have been in contact with someone with Covid-19 but are not legally required to self isolate should follow some safety mesaures.
These include:
- Take an LFD test every day for 7 days, or until 10 days since your last contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19 if this is earlier
- Take this daily LFD test before you leave the household for the first time that day
If an LFD test shows a positive result you should self-isolate immediately and report the results.
But, if your test is negative then you are most likely not infected at the time the test was taken.
In the case of a negative test, you are strongly advised to do the following:
- Limit close contact with other people outside your household, especially in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces
- Work from home if you are able to
- In addition to venues where it is a legal requirement, to wear a face-covering in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces and where you are in close contact with other people
- Limit contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19
- Follow the guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19
The government states that this advice should be followed for 10 days after your most recent contact with a person who is confirmed to have Covid-19.
