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.
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
Information:
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
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do not go to work, school or public places – work from home if you can
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do not go on public transport or use taxis
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do not go out to get food and medicine – order it online or by phone, or ask someone to bring it to your home
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do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for people providing essential care
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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 5 full days for adults and 3 for children if they no longer have a temperature.
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.