Covid Guidance

Schools no longer have a requirement to contact-trace; NHS Test and Trace are the body who will now make contact with any person who may need to take a PCR test and/or self-isolate.

NHS Guidance - 2021

When to self-isolate

Self-isolate straight away and get a PCR test (a test that is sent to the lab) on GOV.UK as soon as possible if you have any of these 3 symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild:

a high temperature
a new, continuous cough
a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

You should also self-isolate straight away if:

you've tested positive for COVID-19 – this means you have the virus
someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive (unless you are not required to self-isolate – check below if this applies to you)
you've been told to self-isolate following contact with someone who tested positive – find out what to do if you're told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app

You may need to quarantine when you arrive in England from abroad. Check the quarantine rules when entering England on GOV.UK

When you do not need to self-isolate

If someone you live with has symptoms of COVID-19, or has tested positive for COVID-19, you will not need to self-isolate if any of the following apply:

you're fully vaccinated – this means 14 days have passed since your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine given by the NHS
you're under 18 years, 6 months old
you're taking part or have taken part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial
you're not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Even if you do not have symptoms, you should still:

get a PCR test on GOV.UK to check if you have COVID-19
follow advice on how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19
consider limiting contact with people who are at higher risk from COVID-19

Tell people you've been in close contact with that you have symptoms

Tell people you've been in close contact with in the past 48 hours that you might have COVID-19.

You should tell them to follow advice on how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19.

They do not need to self-isolate unless they're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.

If they get any symptoms of COVID-19, they should self-isolate and get a test as soon as possible.

How to self-isolate

You must not leave your home if you're self-isolating.

Don’t

do not go to work, school or public places – work from home if you can
do not go on public transport or use taxis
do not go out to get food and medicine – order it online or by phone, or ask someone to bring it to your home
do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for people providing essential care
do not go out to exercise – exercise at home or in your garden, if you have one

How long to self-isolate

If you test positive, your self-isolation period includes the day your symptoms started (or the day you had the test, if you did not have symptoms) and the next 10 full days.

You may need to self-isolate for longer if you get symptoms while self-isolating or your symptoms do not go away.

Read more about how long to self-isolate.