Self-isolation removed for double-jabbed close contacts from 16 August
From Monday 16 August, people who are double jabbed or aged under 18 will no longer be legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case. While this good news in terms of reducing the number of people that have to self-isolate, it potentially raises the risk that extremely vulnerable service users may be exposed to COVID-19. There is updated guidance for health and social care staff who are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID case.
From 16th August fully vaccinated staff members will be able to continue in their usual social care role if identified as a close contact, only when the following apply:
the staff member should not have any COVID-19 symptoms
the staff member should immediately arrange for a PCR test, either through their workplace arrangements or via the NHS Test and Trace service, and the result of this PCR test should be negative prior to returning to work
following the negative PCR result, the staff member should undertake an LFD antigen test every day for the 10 days following their last contact with the case (even on days they are not at work)
if a staff member has had a SARS-CoV-2 infection in the past 90 days, they should not have a PCR test and should only undertake daily LFD antigen tests
on days the staff member is working, the LFD antigen test should be taken before starting their shift, and the result should be negative
the staff member should comply with all relevant infection control precautions and PPE should be worn properly throughout the day
if the staff member works with patients or residents who are highly vulnerable to COVID-19 (as determined by the organisation), a risk assessment should be undertaken, and consideration given to redeployment during their 10 day self-isolation period
If a social care staff member develops any of the symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, they should self-isolate and arrange to have a PCR test straight away.
Full details of the updated guidance are available on the management of staff and exposed patients or residents in health and social care settings webpage.