Health Secretary cuts self-isolation period from 10 days to seven

Cutting the self-isolation period from 10 days to seven will be a welcome boost to businesses impacted by staff shortages, business leaders said today.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced the self-isolation period will be cut to seven days for people who can produce negative lateral flow tests on both day six and their final day of quarantine.

He said the move has been informed by been informed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and that those leaving quarantine after day seven should “continue to remain cautious ”.

Under the previous rule, people had to self-isolate for 10 full days if they tested positive for Covid-19.

Erin Henwood, policy advisor at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Health Secretary 's announcement this morning will be a huge relief for many businesses across the country, who have been severely impacted by staff shortages and lower footfall as the number of positive cases skyrocketed in recent weeks.

“Though the change is welcome, its effect will be a mere drop in the ocean for those who are concerned about their business surviving this winter, particularly in industries that are yet to see tailored support.

“The Government must provide further clarity over its plans for the coming weeks and clearly outline what further support it intends to give businesses who were relying on the prospect of a strong Christmas and New Year trading period and have already been significantly impacted by Plan B measures.

“If your business is being affected by the latest Covid-19 developments, please reach out via your relationship manager or through our dedicated KBM support inbox to help us best represent the views of the local business community. ”