IT is a legal requirement for people to self-isolate if they have or think they have the coronavirus.
Self-isolation is different from shielding or self-distancing.
Can I go for a walk when self-isolating?
It’s a legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive or are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.
You can be fined if you do not do so.
The NHS guidelines are clear – you must not leave home if you are self-isolating.
This means you cannot go for a walk outside although you can do exercise in your own home or garden, if you have one.
- do not go to work, school or public places – work from home if you can
- do not go on public transport or use taxis
- do not go out to get food and medicine – order it online or by phone, or ask someone to bring it to your home
- do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for people providing essential care
- do not go out to exercise – exercise at home or in your garden, if you have one
You should get a Covid test as soon as possible.
The test needs to be done in the first eight days of having symptoms.
You do not need to get a test if you have no symptoms or if you have different symptoms.
How long should I self-isolate for?
If you have symptoms or have tested positive for coronavirus, you’ll usually need to self-isolate for at least 10 days.
You’ll usually need to self-isolate for 14 days if:
- someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive
- someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive
- you’ve been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
You can find more information on the NHS website.
What happens after the self-isolation period ends?
If your test result is positive, you must continue to self-isolate for 10 days from when your symptoms started, or when your test was taken.
If you have a negative test result, you can stop isolating as long as:
- you are well
- no-one else in your household has symptoms
- if anyone else in your household has symptoms they have also received a negative test result
- you have not been advised to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
- you have not arrived into the UK from a non-exempt country within the last 14 days
Anyone in your household who is isolating because of your symptoms can also stop isolating.
If your test result is negative but you still have symptoms, you may have another virus such as a cold or flu.
You should stay at home until you feel well. Seek medical attention if you are concerned about your symptoms.
When you stop self-isolating you must still keep to the restrictions in your area, such as wearing a mask and observe social distancing.
