QUARANTINE and self-isolation will be replaced by daily tests for people who come into contact with Covid carriers.
Strict rules will be relaxed for 40,000 in a pilot scheme launched by the Government.
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Instead of facing ten days’ mandatory isolation, those in the trial will get a week’s worth of rapid tests, letting them carry on their lives providing the results are negative.
If the trial is a success it will reduce the length of time contacts of positive cases need to lock themselves away, improve social lives and help reopen the economy.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “This could help shift the dial. It would allow people to carry on going to work.”
Covid sufferers’ contacts who join the study will be sent seven days of tests from next Sunday.
Professor Isabel Oliver, of Public Health England, said: “Contacts are at higher risk.
“Testing them is an effective way of preventing further spread.”
