The isolation period for those who have tested positive for coronavirus in England is reduced from ten to seven days, if the rapid antigen tests they undergo on the sixth and seventh day of quarantine are negative.
In a statement, Health Minister Sajid Javid said the decision was made in consultation with the UK Health and Safety Agency and that those leaving the seven-day isolation should continue to be vigilant.
The measure has been requested by various sectors of the economy and public services, such as the NHS health system, which report severe staff shortages due to increased coronavirus cases, which are largely attributed to the Omicron variant.
