In England, Self-Isolation Has Been Reduced To Five Days.

In England, the minimum self-isolation period for people who test positive for Covid-19 has been reduced to five days.

Following a review of the medical evidence, the quarantine period has been reduced to help alleviate staff shortages across the economy.

However, on days five and six of their isolation, people must produce negative lateral flow tests.

Meanwhile, 16 and 17-year-olds in England can now book a booster shot or visit a walk-in vaccination center.

In the beginning, invitations will be sent to the 40,000 teenagers who received a second vaccine dose at least three months ago. More than 600,000 people aged 16 and 17 who have received two doses will eventually be eligible for the booster.

In addition, approximately 500 clinically vulnerable 12- to 15-year-olds who are most at risk from coronavirus will be able to receive a booster.

Day zero, according to isolation rules, is the day symptoms appear or people test positive. The first day of the isolation period is the following day.

On day five, people in England can now take a lateral flow test. If it is negative, they can repeat the test on day six, 24 hours later. Assuming this is also negative - and they don't have a temperature - they can leave isolation immediately.

Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, stated that limiting isolation to five days would "restore extra freedoms and reduce the pressure on essential public services over the winter."

He emphasized that the lateral flow tests on days 5 and 6 were a "critical" component of the "balanced and proportionate" plans.

People who test positive on these days must remain in isolation until they have had two negative tests on consecutive days, or until 10 days have passed.

The rules apply whether or not a person has been immunized.

According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), two-thirds of positive cases were no longer infectious by day five, according to the health secretary.

Those who leave self-isolation on or after day six after negative tests - and who do not have a temperature - are strongly advised to wear face coverings, limit close contact with other people in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and work from home if possible.