IT is still a legal requirement for people to self-isolate if they have or think they have Covid.
This means you mustn’t leave home until you test negative, apart from to have a PCR test if you need one.
Can I go for a walk when self-isolating?
The short answer is no, you can’t go for a walk.
You can do exercise in your own home or garden, if you have one, but to protect others you have to stay at home.
It’s a legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive, are awaiting test results with symptoms 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.
- 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
- do not go out to exercise your dog – a friend will have to do it for you, or you can get them involved in your home exercise
How long should I self-isolate for?
If you have symptoms or have tested positive for coronavirus, you have to isolate for at least five full days.
New rules mean if you test positive on a lateral flow, you don’t need to get a PCR follow up unless you have symptoms.
The first full day of isolation is NOT the day you test positive or noticed symptoms – although you must still isolate following either of these events.
That day is now known as “day zero”, with the next day counting as day one, the UK Health Security Agency confirmed.
Covid patients must then test negative on lateral flow tests on day five and six in order to be released from isolation.
An example timeline is as follows:
Monday = Day 0 (when you develop symptoms or get a positive test)
Tuesday = Day 1
Wednesday = Day 2
Thursday = Day 3
Friday = Day 4
Saturday = Day 5 – first lateral flow test
Sunday = Day 6 – second lateral flow test and if both are negative you can leave isolation
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.
