THE Covid-19 isolation period in England has been cut to five days from today, as long as people test negative on days five and six.

The decision has been made by Health Secretary Sajid Javid following analysis of the latest figures by the UK Health Security Agency.

It's hoped this change will support essential public services and workforces through the remainder fo the winter, allowing people to get back to work if they have two negative lateral flow tests on days five and six of their isolation following their positive test.

If people are still returning positive tests on day five, they must remain isolating for the normal 10 day period.

These negative tests must be reported on the Government website before people return to work or education, if they are leaving self-isolation earlier than the full 10 day period.

Mr Javid said: “Following a robust review of the evidence, we have reduced the minimum self-isolation period to five full days in England.

“This is a balanced and proportionate approach to restore extra freedoms and reduce the pressure on essential public services over the winter.

“It is crucial people only stop self-isolating after two negative tests to ensure you are not infectious.

“Vaccinations remain our best defence against Covid-19, offering significant protection against infection and hospitalisation – and I urge everybody eligible to take up the offer and get boosted now.”

In Bradford, there were a further 856 positive tests recorded yesterday (Sunday), meaning since the pandemic began there have been 128,262 cases recorded in the district.

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