Do I still have to self-isolate after ‘Freedom Day’?

BRITS have emerged from coronavirus restrictions today as the last set of rules have been removed.

Self isolating is still an important weapon against Covid, but there are some key changes being made to those rules too...

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is currently under pressure to amend isolation rules after he tried to dodge self isolation after getting pinged by the NHS app after contact with Covid-hit Health Secretary Sajid Javid.

But Boris stuck to the rules after an outcry. MPs want Test and Trace isolations to be axed as staff shortages cripple thousands of businesses.

They warn any delay will worsen the UK-wide staffing crisis caused by the pinging of close contacts of those with Covid.

Yesterday the PM was forced into a humiliating U-turn over his contact with virus-hit Health ­Secretary Sajid Javid.

Mr Javid announced his positive test on Twitter on Saturday lunchtime, above.

By the rules that means a ten-day isolation for close contacts.

So when do you need to self isolate and what are the requirements?

When should I isolate?

Currently, anyone alerted by Test and Trace or the NHS App that they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive must — by law — isolate at home.

Also everyone with flu-like symptoms, which is defined as a fever of above 37.8C or a persistent cough, should stay home.

You must self-isolate immediately if:

• You have any symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
• You've tested positive for coronavirus – this means you have coronavirus
• You live with someone who has symptoms or tested positive
• Someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive
• You're told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
• You arrive in the UK from a country with a high coronavirus risk

Do I need to self isolate if I come into contact with someone who tests positive?

For now, yes, everyone must.

But this is changing next month for people who have had two vaccinations.

From August 16, double-jabbed Brits will be allowed to skip self-isolation if they have come into contact with a Covid patient.

If you haven't had your two jabs, you will have to isolate.

People who test positive will still have to self-isolate for 10 days even if they're jabbed however.

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 Health Secretary Sajid 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.

The move will come as a major boost for workplaces as Brits will be able to go to work even if they have been in touch with someone who tested positive.

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.