UK Covid19: You will not need PCR after a positive rapid test

The British government is expected to make changes to the test rules today, which means that those who pass a rapid flow test (immunochromatographic method) will no longer need a PCR test, according to Sky News - as "about one million people Are currently in isolation as a result of the coronavirus.

"We do not actually collect this data on a daily basis, but it is obvious if we look at how many people tested positive yesterday, about 215.000, that they will all be in isolation and obviously from the previous days," said the Minister of Health. said Gillian Keegan.

"So there are about a million people who are probably in isolation right now."

Health officials have reportedly developed plans to limit PCR testing to people with symptoms, allowing those who are asymptomatic - in about 40% of cases - to return to work faster.

People who test positive should be isolated for at least seven days, and Ms. Keegan told Sky News that people should record positive side-flow results.

At present, asymptomatic individuals who test positive rapid are required to order a PCR test and begin their isolation period only when they receive a second result.

This requires effective isolation for more than seven days, especially if there are delays in obtaining the PCR result.
It seems that the move will be announced on Wednesday.

A spokesman for the UK Health Insurance Agency told Sky News: "We are keeping everything under consideration and any announcements will be made in the normal way."

Government sources said rapid tests were "highly effective" and that test capability should be given priority.

Key employees in various industries that keep the country afloat will have to undergo daily rapid tests, Boris Johnson announced on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister said that 100.000 workers in England, "from food processing to transport to the Border Force", will have to take a test every day they work from 10 January.

Meanwhile, ministers are also expected to announce that pre-departure tests will no longer be required for travelers returning to the UK.