How does Omicron isolation work?

[Covidwoes]

Hi everyone! The new rules state that if you're a close contact of someone with Omicron, you have to isolate regardless of vaccine status. However, how do you know if it's Omicron? Do T&T tell you? I only ask as someone I know in London just tested positive and keeps saying 'it must be Omicron', and has been telling her friends that, but nobody has actually told her that yet! I think she's just assuming it is because she lives in London!

I assume you will be told if it is

This poster said T & T informed her contacts it was suspected omicron so they had to isolate
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/4417412-FFS-I-ve-got-suspected-omicron?msgid=113064449

Yes. This is covered on the government site.

Test and trace will be in contact if you’re a contact of someone with omicron.

You only know if you have the new variant if one of your close contact or family members get told to isolate despite them being fully vaccinated.