What the new Covid-19 rules mean for people in Essex
What the new rules on self-isolation mean, and how vulnerable people can move forward
Last updated 16th Aug 2021
Starting from today, people will no longer be required to self-isolate if they are a close contact of somebody who has Covid-19 if they are fully vaccinated or aged under 18.
If people in the UK and Northern Ireland come into contact with someone who has the virus, or if they have been notified that they must self-isolate by the NHS app, it will no longer be a legal requirement to do so. It is now advised that people get a PCR test, and only need to quarantine if it comes back as being positive. They will not have to self-isolate in the interim period before receiving the result.
If someone does test positive, they will still need to complete 10 days of self-isolation, even if they are fully vaccinated.
The hope is that the new rules will save residents from the ‘pingdemic.’ This will mean that people will no longer have to self-isolate unnecessarily, especially after high numbers of people being ‘pinged’ by their NHS apps repeatedly telling them to stay inside.
Essex County Council is urging people to get vaccinated as the new law comes into force:
Impact on vulnerable people
But some people are still taking extra caution as rules are relaxed.
Head of Advocacy Kate Seymour at Macmillan Cancer Support said that people should still remain vigilant to protect vulnerable people in the community. She stated:
“Continuing to wear masks in enclosed places and keeping some social distance both just helps both in terms of reducing the chances of passing the illness on, but also making people feel comfortable.”
“People with Cancer, like all of us are a big, different group of people.”
“Some people are really happy about the easing of restrictions, and the more freedoms that brings, but we know that lots of people are feeling very anxious.”
“Many people are feeling anxious with this easing of restrictions. Speak to your clinical team, but also, contact Macmillan or other charities who can help you.”
Macmillan Cancer Support has a range of resources available on their website and hotline.
The British Heart Foundation has also said that people can still protect those who are clinically vulnerable. Senior Cardiac Nurse Julie Ward stated:
"To get herd immunity where we have got the vast population vaccinated and the spread of the virus is minimised, I think we all have to play a part as individuals, groups and a nation acting responsibly."
"If people feel they are at risk... then maybe make the decision to apply your own restrictions to yourself, but obviously we have to go by government guidelines and that is that everybody should be assessing their own risk."
"If somebody has severe heart failure and they're waiting for a heart transplant, obviously they're not going want to be going out there on public transport into crowds, mingling- whereas somebody who has a diagnosis of high blood pressure which well controlled might feel more comfortable with the easing of restrictions."
The British Heart Foundation also offers a Covid-19 Hub on their website.