People infected with Covid in England can stop self-isolating up to three days early if they test negative twice, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.
They will now be able to end quarantine after seven days instead of 10 by providing negative lateral flow results on day six and day seven.
Health secretary Sajid Javid said the move would minimise disruption caused by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
Those who leave self-isolation on or after day seven are “strongly advised” to limit close contact with other people in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, work from home and minimise contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with Covid.
People should not end their isolation early if they are still experiencing symptoms, the UKHSA said.
The health agency added that unvaccinated adults who have come into contact with someone infected with Covid must still self-isolate until 10 days after their estimated date of exposure to the virus.
