Changes to isolation rules announced as PCR scrapped for asymptomatic cases
People will not need to self-isolate for as long to help prevent staff shortages
Last updated 27th May 2022
Rules in England on when people need to self-isolate are to change as people not displaying symptoms do not need PCR lab tests before they start their isolation.
At the moment, anyone who tests positive for the virus using lateral flow tests is required to take a PCR test and isolate from that point if that result also came back positive.
However, from January 11th, a positive result using an antigen test will be enough to self-isolate in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
It is hoped that by using lateral flow to begin self-isolation periods, staff shortages which have severely affected supply chains could be ended quicker.
These changes are specifically directed at people who are asymptomatic and do not show signs of being infected.
However, the UKHSA advised that should you start showing Covid symptoms, to book a PCR test immediately.
Northern Ireland also changed their rules to match the announcement from Mr Johnson:
"From today, people in NI who get a positive lateral flow test will no longer need a PCR test to confirm that result. If your lateral flow is positive, you should assume you have COVID-19 and that you are infectious.
"You should therefore self-isolate immediately for the required period. You won’t need to take a confirmatory PCR test."
Scotland and Wales also followed suit, and said that an asymptomatic positive lateral flow test result should be considered confirmation of a Covid-19 infection, without the need for a further PCR test.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also announced that the isolation period for those with coronavirus in Scotland will be reduced to 7 days, so long as a negative lateral flow is recorded on day 6 and 7, and no symptoms are shown.
The shortened isolation period, in effect from midnight tonight (Wednesday 5 January), brings Scotland into line with England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Government assesses Plan B
The change comes as the Prime Minister assesses the effect of the government's 'Plan B', brought in to tackle the Omicron variant.
As part of 'Plan B', the work for home mandate was reintroduced for those who could do so, as well as the reintroduction of face coverings.
Despite the restrictions, a record breaking 218, 724 cases were confirmed in England and Scotland on Tuesday (January 4th), the highest number since the beginning of the pandemic nearly two years ago.
Following the Christmas period, Boris Johnson announced that with the continuation of 'Plan B', "we have a chance to ride out this Omicron wave without shutting down our country once again."
However, the Prime Minister admitted that the NHS was under 'huge pressure' with high numbers of people in hospital as the country goes on a 'war footing' to deal with the Omicron strain.
These are the current rules people in England should follow as part of 'Plan B':
Face coverings
Face coverings have already become an added feature of our lives since they were reinstated at the beginning of December, but from Friday 10th December face masks will also be needed indoors in places like cinemas and theatres.
Boris Johnson said rules around the wearing of face coverings would be "further extended" to "most public indoor venues" including theatres and cinemas.
The Prime Minister told a press briefing in Downing Street: "There will of course be exemptions where it is not practical, such as when eating, drinking, exercising or singing."
Working from home
Under the rules of "Plan B", the government has reimposed the need to work from home where possible in order to stem the spread of the virus. This guidance comes into place from Monday 13th December.
Nightclubs
Under the government's "Plan B" , COVID passports will become necessary to get into all nightclubs. This is due to the close proximity people would be to each other in the venue and help to reduce the spread of the virus.
Indoor spaces
Indoor settings that have more than 500 people unseated will require a COVID Pass to enter. Examples of settings that would need attendees to have a COVID Pass would include music venues and large receptions.
Outdoor events
Outdoor events are not exempt from using COVID Passes either. Unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people will need people to have a vaccine pass. This includes outdoor music festivals, such as Glastonbury Festival.
Stadiums
COVID Passes will be needed to get into any event that is expecting more than 10,000 people to attend. This would include major sports events such as football matches, as well as music concerts in arenas.
The Prime Minister said: "The NHS Covid pass can still be obtained with two doses but we will keep this under review as the boosters roll out.
"And having taken clinical advice since the emergence of Omicron, a negative lateral flow test will also be sufficient."