Rules around self-isolation have changed from 16 August

16th August 2021

From Monday, 16 August, three different groups of people will no longer have to self-isolate if they come into contact with people who have tested positive for Covid-19.

People who have been fully vaccinated, (i.e. had two jabs but also having had the last one at least 14 days beforehand), are no longer required to self-isolate if they’ve had close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19. Instead, they’re asked to take a PCR test as soon as possible to check whether they’re infected but otherwise, they will be able to go out and about as usual.

A close contact means:

• Having face-to-face contact with someone at a distance of less than one metre.
• Spending more than 15 minutes within two metres of an individual.
• Travelling in a car or other small vehicle with an individual, or in close proximity to an individual on a plane.

Anyone who has been identified as a close contact of a positive case will now no longer have to self-isolate, providing they are:

• Fully vaccinated (both first and second jabs with the second one being done at least 14 days beforehand)
• Not displaying any symptoms.

Under 18s – regardless of vaccination status – is the second group of people who will no longer be required to self-isolate if they have been identified as a close contact of a positive case.

Individuals still required to self-isolate should they be identified as a close contact are people who have:

• NOT received their Covid-19 vaccination.
• NOT received both doses of the vaccination.
• RECEIVED their second dose but only within the last 14 days.
• TESTED POSITIVE following a PCR test.
• BEEN FULLY VACCINATED BUT are displaying symptoms (ahead of getting a PCR test).

 The third group of people who can stop self-isolating from 16 August are those who have been previously identified as a close contact and are part way through an existing isolate period and would qualify for the criteria above.

Following these changes, all close contacts regardless of vaccination status, including those under 18, are being advised to take a PCR test, which can be booked here.

Those who are fully vaccinated will only be required to self-isolate if they also receive a positive PCR test.

There are, however, exemptions from the need to be fully vaccinated in order to not self-isolate. These include:

• Clinical trial participants who have been, or are currently, taking part in an MRHA approved Covid-19 vaccine trial.
• Those who can provide evidence that they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

For further information click here.

FAQs

What is changing on Monday, 16 August?

As of Monday, 16 August, you will no longer be required to self-isolate after a confirmed close contact with a positive case of covid-19 if you are fully vaccinated or under 18. Close contacts who are fully vaccinated will instead be advised to take a PCR test as soon as possible, so that they can have certainty about their condition.

Why are you making this change while cases are still high?

Unlike in previous waves, the rise in cases driven by the Delta variant is not translating into a significant increase in hospitalisations and deaths. This is due to the effectiveness of the vaccine at reducing the risk of transmission and severe illness.

When will I still need to self-isolate? 

Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 should, from this point onwards, self-isolate while they wait for the results of a PCR test. Everyone who tests positive will still be legally required to self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status. Close contacts of confirmed cases will still be legally required to self-isolate if they are over 18 and not fully vaccinated.

What if I haven’t been vaccinated?

If you haven’t been fully vaccinated, you will still need to self-isolate if you are identified as the close contact of a positive case, unless you are under 18.

Why does this apply to under-18s when younger people (16/17) can now get the vaccine?

Currently 16 and 17 year olds are only being offered a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine and therefore do not have the opportunity to be fully vaccinated.

 I am a contact of a positive case. Do I have to self-isolate while waiting for the results of my PCR test?

From Monday, 16 August, if you are fully vaccinated or under 18 at the time of contact with a positive case, you will be exempt from the requirement to self-isolate. You may wish to limit social contact while waiting for the results of your PCR test, but you are not required to self-isolate.

What happens if my PCR test comes back positive?

If your PCR test result is positive, you must self-isolate for 10 days to avoid spreading the infection to other people. This will continue to be a legal requirement. People who live with you, and any close contacts outside your household, will either be required to self-isolate or advised to get a PCR test, depending on their age and vaccination status.

What about 18-year-olds who have not yet had a chance to be fully vaccinated?

To give those recently turned 18 the opportunity to be fully vaccinated, they will be treated in the same way as under 18s up until the age of 18 years and 6 months.