By Self-isolation cut from 10 to seven days for negative tests
The government has announced that self-isolation for people who tested positive for Covid has now been reduced from 10 days to seven if they test negative twice.
Individuals will have to provide two negative lateral flow results on day six and seven of their self-isolation.
The tests can be sent to the government, but this is not a necessary requirement.
The aim is to get people out of self-isolation and back to their normal lives at a quicker pace.
With the Omicron variant spreading fast, it has left businesses, health services and rail services short on staff as they turn to self-isolation.
Several trains have been cancelled due to these shortages.
The new rule applies to both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated as well as those already in self-isolation.
After the seven days, it is still advised that people should not visit vulnerable people or crowded/poorly ventilated spaces and that they should work from home.
People who are not double-jabbed must still self-isolate for 10 days if they have come into contact with individuals who have tested positive.
The news comes after the Prime Minister announced that no new Covid restrictions would be put in place before Christmas Day.
What rules are imposed after Christmas has still not been decided.
This has left many people anxious as further lockdowns could close down hundreds more businesses.
However, self-isolation and quarantines, lockdowns and vaccines have all been proven to slow down the amount of Covid deaths the UK is facing, even if cases themselves are on the rise.
If enough people receive booster jabs, this may prevent further lockdowns from hitting the UK.
Some people have struggled to find places that have not already run out of supplies, though.
It is advised that you check local council or NHS websites for more details on the nearest drop-in clinics.
