Double-jabbed Brits WON’T have to isolate after contact with Covid victims from August 16, Sajid Javid confirms
SAJID Javid today confirmed that double-jabbed Brits WILL be allowed to skip self-isolation - but only from August 16.
The Health Sec revealed plans to rip up the mandatory 10-day quarantine for close contacts of positive cases.
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Mr Javid told MPs: "This new approach means that we can manage the virus in a way that's proportionate to the pandemic while maintaining the freedoms that are so important to us all."
People who test positive will still have to self-isolate for 10 days even if they're jabbed, he warned.
And close contacts will still be urged to get a gold-standard PCR test to "get certainty" that they're not infected.
Spelling out the rules in the Commons Mr Javid said that anyone who gets their second dose on the cusp of August 16 will still need to wait two weeks so the extra protection can kick in.
Mr Javid also confirmed under-18s - who are not eligible for vaccines - will also be able to avoid quarantine if they come into contact with a Covid case.
He said: "Instead they'll be given advice about whether they should get tested, dependent on their age and will need to self-isolate only if they test positive."
In key developments
- The Health Sec warned cases could hit 100,000 a day this summer
- A Tory MP broke ranks by refusing to wear her mask after July 19
- The PM last night lit a bonfire of Covid restrictions on Freedom Day
The Health Sec paid tribute to "selfless" Brits who have "done their duty" and isolated when pinged.
He said: "I understand that some people are cautious about their idea of easing restrictions, but we must balance the risks - the risks of a virus that has diminished but not defeated, against the risks of keeping these restrictions and the health, social and economic hardship that we know they bring.
"This pandemic is far from over and we will continue to proceed with caution.
"But we're increasingly confident that our plan is working and that we can soon begin a new chapter based on the foundations of personal responsibility and common sense rather than the blunt instrument of rules and regulations."
Currently, anyone alerted by Test and Trace that they have been near someone who has tested positive must — by law — isolate at home.
It comes just a day after Boris Johnson unveiled a wealth of new freedoms Brits can enjoy from July 19 as the country emerges from lockdown.
Last night the PM announced his intention to sweep away all legal restrictions - except for the requirement to self-isolate if tested positive.
Labour's Jonathan Ashworth hit back at Mr Javid, saying: "The biggest barrier to an effective isolation policy hasn’t been the inconvenience but the lack of financial incentive to stay home.
"If we’re living with this virus, the days of people soldiering on when unwell are over. Sick pay is vital to infection control, getting back to normal depends on people feeling safe."