Changes to self-isolation guidance

Read the latest PHE guidance on NHS staff self-isolation and return to work following COVID-19 contact…

People who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination will no longer be legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case.

The rules, which changed on 16 August, say people who have received their final dose of an MHRA-approved vaccine in the UK vaccination programme at least 14 days before contact with a positive case no longer need to self-isolate. Young people under the age of 18 will also no longer be legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact.

Everyone will still be contacted by Test and Trace if they are identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19, but under 18s or people with both jabs will only be advised to take a PCR test and will not need to self-isolate while waiting for the results. Anyone who tests positive following the PCR test will still be legally required to self-isolate, irrespective of their vaccination status or age. Additionally, anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and get a PCR test and remain in isolation until the result comes back.

As double jabbed people identified as close contacts are still at risk of being infected, people are advised to consider other precautions such as wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces, and limiting contact with other people, especially with anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable.

CCG staff working with clinically extremely vulnerable patients or service users will need a risk assessment to be carried out by a designated person in the workplace before they return to work.

Updated PHE guidance on NHS staff self-isolation and return to work following COVID-19 contact

NHS staff that are identified as a contact of someone that is COVID-19 positive will no longer be expected to self-isolate and will be expected to return to work. However, for staff to do so safely, the following safeguards must be in place:

• The COVID positive person with whom the staff member has been in contact must not be a household member
• A negative PCR test prior to returning to work. Staff should not attend work while awaiting the PCR test result
• The staff member has had two doses of an approved vaccine, and is at least two weeks (14 days) post double vaccination at the point of exposure
• Provision of subsequent, daily negative Lateral Flow Test (LFT) for a minimum of 10 days before starting a shift (with test results reported to Test and Trace via the web portal and to their duty manager). Any contact who has a positive LFT should self-isolate and arrange a PCR test
• The staff member is and remains asymptomatic
• Continued use of IPC measures, in line with the current UK IPC guidance and CCG office protocol

If the above criteria cannot be met, the staff member will continue to be asked to isolate in-line with government guidance.

All staff must have an up-to-date individual risk assessment and if returning from self-isolation must be working in an appropriate setting for their risk status. They must not be in contact with highly clinically vulnerable patients/residents.

Find further PHE guidance on NHS staff self-isolation and return to work following COVID-19 contact.