Covid isolation period reduced to seven days with negative test

People must have two negative two lateral flow tests to reduce their isolation period.

The tests must be taken 24 hours apart on days six and seven of the isolation period. 

The UKHSA has strongly advised people leaving quarantine on day seven to avoid people in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces and continue to work from home. 

UKHSA chief executive Dr Jenny Harries said: “Covid-19 is spreading quickly among the population and the pace at which Omicron is transmitting may pose a risk to running our critical public services during winter.

Glasgow University students queue at a pop up test centre at the Murano Street Student Village in Glasgow (PA)

“This new guidance will help break chains of transmission and minimise the impact on lives and livelihoods.

“It is crucial that people carry out their LFD tests as the new guidance states and continue to follow public health advice.”

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Analysis by the UKHSA suggested that a seven-day isolation period alongside two negative lateral flow test results had nearly the same protective effect as a 10-day isolation period without testing.

Studies have also demonstrated that lateral flow device (LFD) tests are just as sensitive at detecting the Omicron variant as they are for Delta.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the new advice should help reduce the disruption to people’s everyday lives.

He said: “We want to reduce the disruption from Covid-19 to people’s everyy lives.

“Following advice from our clinical experts, we are reducing the self-isolation period from 10 days to seven if you test negative on an LFD test for two days running.

“It’s vital people keep playing their part by testing regularly and isolating if they test positive.

“And I urge you to get boosted now to protect yourself and those around you.”