This week, the Government announced a number of covid-related restrictions will be eased, please find further details below.

England:

1. Confirmatory PCR tests to be temporarily suspended for positive lateral flow test results

The UK Government have said from 11 January in England, people who receive positive lateral flow device (LFD) test results for coronavirus (COVID-19) will be required to self-isolate immediately and won’t be required to take a confirmatory PCR test.

This is a temporary measure while COVID-19 rates remain high across the UK.

2. Pre-departure testing removed for vaccinated travellers

· From 4 am on Sunday 9 January a lateral flow test can be used instead of PCR tests for eligible fully vaccinated travellers and over 5s to take on or before day 2

· From am on Friday 7 January, eligible fully vaccinated travellers and under 18s will no longer have to take a pre-departure test or self-isolate on arrival in England - returning to the travel rules that were in place before Omicron

Scotland

1. Ending self-isolation early

The Scottish government has altered self-isolation rules and has stated the following:

• Individuals can end self-isolation early if you have 2 consecutive negative LFD test results from day 6 onwards, taken 24 hours apart.

2. Changes to close contact rules

• Fully vaccinated close contacts can now take daily LFD tests instead of self-isolating. The daily LFD tests should be taken for 7 days in a row.