The COVID isolation period was cut from 10 days to seven days by two lateral flow tests

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Covid patients will be able to reduce their self-isolation period from Wednesday as the rule change cuts the number of days required from 10 to seven.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says anyone with the virus can now take two lateral flow tests, 24 hours apart, on the sixth and seventh days, in order to stop the quarantine – provided the results are negative.

It comes as tens of thousands of Britons tested positive for Covid just before Christmas, spoiling holiday plans.

UKHSA said patients are still strongly advised to limit close contact with other people in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and to continue working from home.

There is no change in the guidance for unvaccinated positive cases, or unvaccinated contacts of positive Covid-19 cases, who are still required to self-isolate for 10 days after their date of exposure.

Studies have also shown that LFD tests are just as sensitive in detecting the Omicron variant as they are for Delta.

UKHSA chief executive Dr Jenny Harris said anyone with symptoms of coronavirus should get a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test as soon as possible.

She said: “Covid-19 is spreading rapidly through the population, and the pace of Omicron’s transmission could pose a risk to our vital public services during the winter.

These new guidelines will help break chains of transmission and reduce the impact on lives and livelihoods.

“It is critical that people have their LFD tests according to the new guidelines and that they continue to follow public health advice.”

Health Minister Sajid Javid said the new advice should help reduce disruption to people’s daily lives, and urged everyone to get a booster dose.

He said: “We want to reduce disruption from Covid-19 to people’s daily lives.

“Based on the advice of our clinical experts, we are reducing the self-isolation period from 10 days to 7 days in the case of a negative LFD test for 2 consecutive days.

“It is critical that people continue to do their part by regularly testing and isolating if they test positive. I urge you to get support now to protect yourself and those around you.”

LFD results should be reported on the gov.uk website or by calling 119.

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