Covid Isolation Guidelines

People who are self-isolating with Covid-19 now have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with a lateral flow device (LFD) test on both day 5 and day 6 and they do not have a temperature. For example, if a child tests negative on the morning of day 5 and again on the morning of day 6, they can return to school immediately on day 6.

• The first test must be taken no earlier than day 5 of the self-isolation period, and the second must be taken the following day.
• If the result of either of their tests is positive, they should continue to self-isolate until they get negative results from two LFD tests on consecutive days or until they have completed 10 full days of self-isolation, whichever is the earliest.
• Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests or anyone who continues to have a temperature will need to complete the full 10 day period of self-isolation.
• All test results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace.
• Please see the chart below for further guidance on the five-day isolation rule and when to test.