From Monday 16th August 2021 the rules on self-isolation are changing due to the fantastic success of the UK’s vaccination programme.
If you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for covid, you will not have to isolate if:
- You have received two doses of a covid vaccine more than 2 weeks ago
- You are under 18
- You cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons
- You are part of a clinical trial for a covid vaccine
Instead, you will be advised to:
- take a pcr test, although you will not have to isolate whilst you wait for the results.
- avoid contact with the vulnerable
- consider wearing a face covering in enclosed indoor public spaces
Anyone who develops symptoms of covid should isolate and book in for a pcr test, and everyone who tests positive must isolate, regardless of vaccination status.
These new measures can come into effect because 75% of adults have now received two doses of a covid vaccine.
I know the rules on isolating have been difficult for local businesses, with staff absent as a result of being a close contact, despite them being vaccinated and not developing symptoms. The isolation rules have also been really difficult for our children and young people and caused them to miss more face-to-face learning time, so I am delighted we can lift these restrictions in time for the start of term in September, thanks to so many people taking their vaccines.
If you have not yet received your second dose, please do so!
You can find all the latest advice from the Government on covid-19 HERE.
