Given what we currently know about COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, the CDC is shortening the recommended time to isolate the public. People with COVID-19 should self-isolate for 5 days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms disappear (without fever for 24 hours), follow 5 days of wearing a mask when they are in the presence of others to minimize the risk of infecting the people they meet. The change is scientifically motivated, showing that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of the disease, usually within 1-2 days before the onset of symptoms and within 2-3 days after. You should not take an LFD test after the 10th day of your isolation period and you can stop self-isolation after that day. This is because you are unlikely to be contagious after the 10th day of your isolation period. Even if you`re out of 10. have a positive LFD test result on the day of your self-isolation, you should not have any further LFD tests after that day. If you are concerned, you can follow the advice above up to 14 days after you start your self-isolation. That is, for example, if your symptoms started at any time on the 15th of the month (or if you had no symptoms but your first positive COVID-19 test was done on the 15th of the month), your isolation period will end at 11:59 p.m. on the 25th of the month.
To reduce the possibility of the virus spreading through the air, do not shake dirty laundry. Wash items according to the manufacturer`s instructions. All dirty laundry can be washed in the same load. If you don`t have a washing machine, wait another 72 hours after your self-isolation ends, after which you can take the laundry to a laundromat. If both of your LFD test results are negative, it is likely that you were not contagious at the time of the test. To further reduce the likelihood of transmitting COVID-19 to others, it is strongly recommended that you end your self-isolation within 10 full days: “The Omicron variant is spreading rapidly and has the potential to affect all facets of our society. The CDC`s updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine compensate for what we know about the spread of the virus and protection through vaccination and booster doses. These updates allow people to go about their daily lives safely. Prevention is our best option: getting vaccinated, getting stronger, wearing a mask in indoor public spaces in areas with high and high transmission in the community, and getting tested before gathering.
“Isolation refers to behaviour after a confirmed infection. Isolation for 5 days, followed by wearing a well-fitting mask, minimizes the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Quarantine refers to the time following exposure to the virus or close contact with someone known to have COVID-19. Both updates come as the Omicron variant continues to spread in the U.S., reflecting current science about when and how long a person will be infected. These recommendations do not replace state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, nor do they apply to health care workers for whom the CDC has updated its guidelines. Workers in schools, daycares, camps and some health facilities have specific standards for returning to work, as do children returning to school, daycares or camps. It should be noted that these standards apply only to their specific environment and that all individuals must follow the guidelines on isolation and exposure prevention for the general population when they are outside these environments. After ending isolation, when you feel better (no fever without the use of antipyretic drugs and improvement in symptoms), if you test positive for COVID-19 with a rapid antigen or PCR test, you will need to self-isolate – whether you are vaccinated or not.
Do not leave your home except for medical attention. Do not visit public places. Self-isolation means separating yourself from others to prevent the spread of your germs. Regardless of vaccination status, all people who test positive should avoid people who are at high risk of severe illness for 10 days. If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 at any time after the end of your initial isolation period, you and your household should follow the steps outlined in this guide again. If you have COVID-19, you can spread the virus to others. There are precautions you can take to prevent it from spreading to others: self-isolation, wearing a mask and avoiding contact with people who are at high risk of getting very sick. Isolation is used to separate confirmed or suspected COVID-19 people from non-COVID-19 people. If your test is positive, follow the isolation instructions.
For more information, see the CDC`s COVID-19 exposure guidelines. All non-essential internal services and repairs should be postponed until the self-isolation phase is complete. Delivery drivers shouldn`t come to your home, so be sure to ask them to leave items outside for pickup. You should follow these tips for up to 10 full days after you start your self-isolation. Several infected people in the same household may use the same room for isolation. For more information, see What to do if you test positive for CRPD. If your PCR test result is positive, follow the advice for people with COVID-19 to stay home. You must begin a new phase of self-isolation, regardless of where you are in your initial 10-day isolation period. This means that your entire isolation period can last more than 10 days. Failure to comply with self-isolation can result in a fine of £1,000 or more. Parents or guardians are legally responsible for ensuring that anyone under the age of 18 self-isolates if they test positive for COVID-19 and are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and asked to self-isolate.
