The self-isolation period for people testing positive for Covid-19 has been reduced to a minimum of five full days.
The day symptoms begin or people test positive, either via a rapid (LFD) or PCR test, is classed as day zero. The next day is day one of the isolation period.
People can now take a rapid test on day five of their self-isolation; if it is negative, they can take another rapid test 24 hours later on day six. If this is also negative, and they do not have a temperature, they can immediately leave isolation.
People who still test positive on days five or six must stay in self-isolation until they have had two negative tests taken on consecutive days, or until 10 full days have passed since their first tested positive or they developed symptoms.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "The potential reduction of the self-isolation period to five full days will mean more people will be able to get back to work and school more quickly. This will help to reduce staffing pressure on essential services and minimise disruption to education."
Please note that due to unprecedented demand nationally, home rapid Covid-19 test kits are currently limited to one box per person. The supply received at collection points in Wolverhampton runs out as quickly as it becomes available and people are asked to only collect kits if they absolutely need to at this time.
Instead, people are advised to order a home test kit via www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests in the first instance. The process is quick and easy and people will receive a box of seven tests, delivered via Royal Mail, in as little as 24 hours. Test results must be reported via www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result or by calling 119.
People with symptoms of Covid-19 – symptomatic – are reminded that they must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. The change to the self-isolation guidance, which is now in effect, follows the temporary removal of the requirement to take a confirmatory PCR test after recording a positive rapid test last week.
Latest figures show there were 1,256.4 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the last seven days. That means 3,304 people tested positive for the virus in that same period – though the true number of cases will likely be higher.
