Self-isolation cut to seven days in England

As coronavirus cases surge and businesses struggle to cope with the effects of staff shortages caused by the virus, self-isolation guidance is changing to help minimise disruption.

Instead of having to quarantine for 10 days, it is being reduced by up to three days for people in England. Anyone who tests positive for Covid can stop isolating if, on days six and seven, lateral flow tests return a negative result. However, there are caveats. For example, ending isolation on day seven means you must still limit contacts with vulnerable people, work from home and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said these changes are based on the latest guidance from health experts.  So far, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have not followed suit.