Self isolation 'might' change to 7 days *MNHQ editing to say 'only England so far!'*

[trackand]

Anyone else heard this? Health secretary pushing for it. I really hope so as we will be free for Xmas. Isolation for us currently ends Boxing Day, even though we are now testing negative on LFT

It's been in the news all day, I haven't really been paying much attention. It will either happen or not, at this point I won't be giving it any headspace, I can't change the outcome so will wait until/if it changes

Nice for you though if it does.

I've not heard it on the news, just in daily mail, hopefully sounds more promising if it has been on the news

I would doubt any changes of anything before the whole package of measures is announced on 28th or whenever

I very much hope it doesn't. I'm fairly certain there is no scientific basis for this change at all, they just want fewer people isolating so they can go back to work. The same happened when they changed the contact isolation guidance - it is the complete opposite of how to manage things from a public health point of view. The government refuse to deal with the high number of cases by reducing the number of cases, but instead take short cuts to get people out of isolation quicker, which is why we are in this mess in the first place.

Sorry that you are isolating over Christmas OP but I do hope this change doesn't happen.

Out of interest OP, do you have Omicron? I had COVID at the end of October (so presume it was Delta) and continued to test positive on a lateral flow for 12 days.

It is in The Times, Javid is pushing for it and they have said it will save Christmas for thousands! Let’s hope.

Javid, famous for his medical and scientific knowledge. They want us all out and back to work.

@PokemonGoGoGo I haven't been told it's omicron so presume not. I'm now testing negative on LFT.

@Cantstandsmugness I really hope so. I'm sat at home, now testing negative on LFT's and feeling absolutely fine.

I'm hoping this happens too, will see if it's announced tomorrow or will have to assume it's not and carry on with the alternative plans.

It’s been 7 days in France since Dec 2020. They don’t seem to have done badly for it 🤷🏼‍♀️ The vast majority of people won’t be very infectious after 7 days. Your body will be well on the way to fighting it away!

I’m not sure if now is the right time BUT I do think it might be the way forwards. Isolation during the most infectious period and out when you are less so. I think it’ll encourage isolation more & not have a huge impact on infections.

It makes sense, people are rarely infectious after 5-7 days. The 10 days decision was made in panic and just hasn’t been reviewed since it was shortened from 14 days.

Well, it’s progress. There is no need to be off work for ten days because you have a cold.

I guess it's possible.

It was 7 days when I had it March 2020 and then went to 14. Then down to 10.

They may have evidence 7 is enough now if this new strain is much more transmissible.

@PokemonGoGoGo

Javid, famous for his medical and scientific knowledge. They want us all out and back to work.

I don't think Javid came up with it though. I read days ago that Neil Ferguson (aka "Professor Lockdown") had said he thought that 7 days would be as effective as 10.

And tbf, of all the Tory cabinet, Javid is one of the few who would support more restrictions.

I think it makes sense and I suspect it will be implemented in the near future. If you’re testing negative you ought to be able to resume normal life.

Seen this on tomorrow papers, though seems to be coming on only from the 27th? Supposed takes ages Inform track n trace and the app about new release dates.

It’s in The Telegraph as well

Yes it’s true and apparently it applies to people already in isolation so some good news for Xmas for some!

I actually hope this doesn’t happen at the moment. DD’s partner is positive so are not coming for Xmas. If it’s changed to 7 days they would be allowed to come and 1/ they’re vegetarian and I haven’t bought any veggie food.🤣 2/ They’d be coming to stay and I’d be worried about catching it!

I hope this happens!

So many employees can't work because they're stuck at home even though they're feeling fine and are no longer contagious. Would also help school children and teachers to keep schools open.

Should be confirmed tomorrow - self-isolation cut to seven days if you test negative (presumably by LFD) two days in a row.

@trackand - it's been announced - Happy Christmas - praying you test negative and that my son who was/is preparing for Xmas alone does too!
We are calling it Xmas Monopoly, when you pass lateral flow move on!

Does anyone know the new rules. Do you have to take negative tests on day 6 and 7?

@Cantstandsmugness yesss thank you so much, this is the best news to wake up to. We are all testing negative now. Really hope your Ds tests negative

Still says 10 days on NHS site…