The following article applies to England only.

COVID-19: Double-jabbed people no longer have to isolate after contact with positive case

From Monday 16 August, people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under 18 no longer have to isolate after coming into contact with a COVID positive person.

Until now, a 10-day isolation period after coming into contact with a positive case was a legal requirement, but this has now been scrapped. Contacts of positive cases will be encouraged to take a PCR test, but this is not compulsory.

Should a fully vaccinated person develop symptoms of the virus, the government instructions state the person should self-isolate and get a PCR test, and stay in isolation until the result comes back.

People who test positive will still be legally required to self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status.

This new guidance applies to those who are considered fully vaccinated – i.e. they have received both the first and second dose, and at least 14 days has passed from the second dose.

The news will come as a welcome step back towards normality, and are being welcomed by hospitality and retail employers, who have been casualties of the so-called ‘pingdemic’, and suffered with staff shortages in recent months.

It is important for employers to bear in mind that double jabbed people identified as close contacts are still at risk of being infected, and passing the infection on to others. Therefore, taking other precautions, such as wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and limiting contact with other people where possible should be considered. If you’d like expert guidance on your workplace coronavirus policies, talk to advo today.