Vaccinated close contacts no longer need to self-isolate
By Rachel Lawler
As of Monday 16 August, adults who have had both of their Covid-19 vaccinations and children under 18 no longer need to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive case of coronavirus.
This means that fully vaccinated workers will be able to attend work after contact with a case, as long as they do not present any symptoms themselves.
Instead, close contacts will be asked to take a PCR test as soon as possible to check if they have the virus and help identify any new variants of the disease.
People will be able to order a PCR test online or by calling 119, or visiting a test site.
Children under five will only be advised to take a PCR test if the positive case identified lives in their own household.
Adults will be considered fully vaccinated after receiving both does of an MHRA-approved vaccine as part of the UK vaccination programme at least 14 days before the contact with a positive case.
However, vaccinated adults who are identified as close contacts will still be asked to consider taking precautions such as wearing face coverings in enclosed spaces and limiting contact with others – especially those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
Reaching Step 4 of the roadmap also brings an end to many of the other guidelines and restrictions for early years providers – such as the need for staggered start and finish times and the need for bubbles.
Find out more
The Alliance has updated its Covid-19 information in line with the changes. Please check our FAQ here.