COVID-19 Close Contact Self Isolation Rule Changes
No. 333/21
For the attention of: Postal Branches
Dear Colleague,
COVID-19 ‘CLOSE-CONTACT’ SELF-ISOLATION RULE CHANGES
Introduction
The UK Government for England and devolved administrations of Scotland and Wales have announced changes to the rules and regulations regarding self-isolation when individuals are identified by NHS Test and Trace as being a “close contact” of a positive Covid-19 case.
The changes take place from the following dates:
Wales from 7 August 2021
Scotland from 9 August 2021
England from 16 August 2021
Royal Mail Group have today issued a communication on the rule changes and self-isolation flow charts for England, Wales and Scotland.
An announcement from Northern Ireland is awaited.
A copy of the communication and flow charts are attached.
In short – as long as an individual has no symptoms, is a fully vaccinated adult (having had the two vaccinations – ‘double-jabbed’) or is under-18, they will no longer have to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of someone with Covid-19. Instead, PCR tests will be used to test if someone is positive although the guidance is slightly different across the UK nations.
Information on accessing a PCR test is available at this Gov.UK Link:
Summary of changes (See Attached Flowcharts for England, Wales & Scotland)
Wales from 7 August 2021 and England from 16 August 2021
You do not need to self-isolate as a close contact of a confirmed case if you meet all of the following criteria:
you are fully vaccinated and 14 days have passed since your second vaccination. Young people under 18 and are exempt under the new rules.
you take a PCR test as soon as possible (you can remain in work while awaiting the result of the PCR test).
you do not develop Covid-19 symptoms. If symptoms develop at any stage, you must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test, in line with existing arrangements.
Scotland from 9 August 2021
You do not need to self-isolate as a close contact if you meet all of the following criteria:
you are fully vaccinated and 14 days have passed since your second dose of vaccination. Young people under the age of 17 will also be able to end self-isolation if they test negative, while those under five years old will be “encouraged” but not required to take a test.
you have had a negative PCR test since being advised to isolate as a close contact. (You must remain in self-isolation while awaiting the result of the PCR test).
you do not develop Covid-19 symptoms. If symptoms develop at any stage, you must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test, in line with existing arrangements.
Northern Ireland
We await the outcome of the review on 12 August 2021.
FAQs
What if I have had one or no vaccinations?
You should continue to self-isolate for 10 days and request a test if you get symptoms.
What if I have symptoms of Covid-19?
You should self-isolate and request a PCR test as usual.
What if I test positive for Covid-19?
You should self-isolate for at least 10 days and can return to work if you feel well enough after 10 days.
What if I am already self-isolating?
If you are already within the 10-day self-isolation period, then you should continue to self-isolate for the full 10 days.
Attachments:
RMG Communication on new Self-Isolation Rules.
Self-Isolation Flow Charts for England, Wales and Scotland.
Yours Sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer