Should unvaccinated person isolate after close contact (even when the person has recently had Covid?)

[BunniesBunniesBunnies]

I can’t find the answer to this. It’s not about me, I’m vaccinated!

I’m supposed to see a friend (unvaccinated) who has just come into contact with a positive case (spent a few days together so close contact).

Does my friend need to isolate (she recently had Covid herself in November?). I’m asking because I’m supposed to see her, I don’t really want to now😬

Yes they should isolate if they had close contact and are unvaccinated

Yes, legally she must isolate.

Ok I thought it might be different as she’s literally just had Covid. Thank you!

Makes no difference if she's has covid already. If she's unvaccinated then she isolates

Thanks again just to make it totally clear I’m very uncomfortable with this whole situation anyway, I just couldn’t find the rules on this (I thought maybe previous infection gave you a protected status like vaccination does). Thanks.

The rules keep changing, so it is hard to keep up!

Was your friend contacted directly by NHS test and trace? If not, she is not legally required to self isolate, regardless of vaccination or prior infection.

In this instance, it is up to you whether or not you are comfortable seeing her. Considering how many people I know who currently have covid are fully jabbed, I would be more comfortable with her natural immunity personally.

Obviously, if she has been formally contacted by test and trace as a close contact she must legally isolate and you cannot see her.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/

Rules are in this link

Thanks @KG1000 and I know what you mean about natural immunity. My partner is quite vulnerable so I’m extra cautious I guess