From 16 August, people without symptoms who are double jabbed, as long as the second jab was 14 days ago or more, will no longer be legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case. Instead they will be advised to take a PCR test as soon as possible. Under-18s without symptoms also no longer need to isolate and will be given advice on testing by NHS Test and Trace depending on their age. Find out how to book a PCR test.
Double jabbed people identified as close contacts will be advised to consider other precautions such as wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces, and limit contact with other people, especially with anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable. They will not be required to self-isolate while they wait for the results of the PCR test. Anyone who tests positive following the PCR test will still be legally required to self-isolate, irrespective of their vaccination status or age in order to break onwards chains of transmission.
Read the full guidance regarding self-isolation removed for double-jabbed close contacts on the Government website
There is additional government guidance for health and social care staff to follow which should be referred to in connection with staff and volunteers who are in direct contact with people who may be vulnerable.
Most double-vaccinated health and social care staff who are close contacts of cases will be able to routinely return to work, provided they have had a negative PCR test. Daily rapid lateral flow tests will need to be taken for 10 days as a precaution. Nidderdale Plus has free 7-day kits of rapid lateral flow tests that can be picked up by those who need them.
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.
