FROM today, Monday, August 16, under 18s and fully-vaccinated people will no longer have to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
Fully vaccinated individuals and young people (aged up to 18 and 6 months) identified as close contacts should still take a PCR test even though they no longer have to self-isolate, to detect any potential cases of the virus. Anyone who tests positive following the PCR test will still be legally required to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of their vaccination status. Those not fully vaccinated will still need to isolate if they are identified as contacts, and everyone will still have to isolate if they test positive, to protect themselves and others.
In order to be considered fully vaccinated, individuals will need to have received their final dose of an MHRA-approved vaccine in the UK vaccination programme at least 14 days prior to contact with a positive case. Those who got their second dose on or around the 16 August will also need to wait until two weeks after they had their second jab for this new rule to apply to them.
From 16 August, most fully vaccinated health and social care staff who are close contacts of cases will be able to routinely return to work, provided they have had a negative PCR test. Daily rapid Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) will also need to be taken for 10 days as a precaution. Staff working with clinically extremely vulnerable patients or service users will need a risk assessment to be carried out by a designated person in the workplace before they return to work.
As people with both doses of the vaccine identified as close contacts are still at risk of being infected, people are advised to consider other precautions such as wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces, and limit contact with other people, especially with anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable.
This is following the move to the last step of the easing of restrictions on 19 July as part of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown. The NHS COVID-19 app will also update in August in line with the new guidance on self-isolation for close contacts.
Anyone with any coronavirus symptoms, no matter how mild, should instead self-isolate and book an NHS (PCR) test via gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
It’s not too late to get your COVID-19 vaccination
All adults can get a COVID vaccine from a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site without being registered with a GP or booking an appointment. If you’re under 17 years and 9 months old and eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, you cannot use this service to book an appointment. Please wait to be contacted by the NHS.
‘Grab a jab’ sessions are also running in Warrington, with drop in sessions at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub, Stockton Heath Medical Centre and Imman Pharmacy in Bewsey throughout August.
You can also book your vaccine through national booking service on the NHS website: nhs.uk/coronavirus.
Remember to use symptom-free tests regularly to check if you have coronavirus
Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms. It’s important to keep regularly testing for coronavirus, even when you feel well, as (LFTs help to identify those who could be unknowingly spreading the virus.
The town centre testing site on Sankey Street in Golden Square Shopping Centre is open Monday to Saturday for anyone to get a free coronavirus test or pick up a box of home test kits.
If you are outside of the town centre, you can pick up a box of home test kits at any participating pharmacies in Warrington, as well as order them to be delivered to your home via gov.uk.
GermDefence is a website that can help you identify ways to protect yourself and others in your household from COVID-19. It provides scientifically proven advice on reducing the risks from COVID-19 and other viruses in your home.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin
“The COVID-19 vaccine offers the best protection possible against the virus and is the reason why those who have had the vaccine will no longer be required to isolate, so I’d urge you to take up the offer of the vaccine if you haven’t already.
“As we all know, it’s important to keep testing yourself to check if you have COVID-19 even if you have been vaccinated, as in some cases you may have the virus without showing any symptoms. Getting tested takes only a few minutes and you can get a test online, at pharmacies, and at our town centre testing site.”
In September, the government will undertake a review to assess the country’s preparedness for autumn and winter, which will review the remaining regulations and guidance.
For more information about coronavirus in Warrington, visit: warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus
