The United Kingdom government announced Wednesday that the self-isolation period for vaccinated people who test positive for COVID-19 was to be reduced to seven days from the previous 10.
The Associated Press reported that self-isolation can be reduced so long as people test negative on two lateral flow tests taken within 24 hours of each other.
“I think this is a very sensible, balanced and proportionate take,” Health Secretary Sajid Javid said, according to the AP. “Of course, this new variant is spreading very rapidly, it is disrupting many people’s lives. It is great that when people do get infected that they are properly isolating. I think that clearly helps prevent infection.’’
The rapid lateral flow tests are provided for free by the U.K. National Health Service (NHS) and can be self-administered with results in 15 to 30 minutes, Reuters reported.
However, the government still recommended that people who exit self-quarantine after seven days reduce their contacts; avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces; work from home and minimize contact with vulnerable people, according to Reuters.
The U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated, “The new approach reflects latest evidence on how long cases transmit the virus for, and supports essential public services and supply chains over the winter, while still limiting the spread of the virus,” according to Reuters.
The government is set to publish more data on omicron before the holidays.
Currently, 129 people are hospitalized in England with the omicron variant, and 14 people have died because of the new strain.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Tuesday that restrictions would not be implemented before Christmas, but the government may need to impose some restrictions after the holidays.
“If new restrictions are required, should the data show that they are required then, of course we won’t hesitate to act,” said Javid.