Covid isolation period cut from seven full days to five

From Monday 17th January 2022, people will be allowed to leave their Covid-19 isolation if they record two negative lateral flow tests on days five and six, before being allowed to leave on the sixth.

Javid commented on UK Health Security Agency data showing that two thirds of cases are no longer infectious from day five. “After reviewing all of the evidence, we’ve made the decision to reduce the minimum self-isolation period to five full days in England,” Mr Javid told MPs today (Thursday 13th January 2022).

“These two tests are critical to these balanced and proportionate plans, and I’d urge everyone to take advantage of the capacity we have built up in tests so we can restore the freedoms to this country while we’re keeping everyone safe.”

This change will only take effect in England.