The latest change in restrictions replaces the requirement for a 10-day isolation (Pictures: Getty)

The latest change in restrictions replaces the requirement for a 10-day isolation (Pictures: Getty)

Fully vaccinated people will have to take a daily lateral flow test for a week if they come into contact with someone infected with Covid-19.


The latest change in restrictions comes into force on Tuesday and replaces the requirement for a 10-day isolation.


Under the new government rules announced on Wednesday, only those who test positive will then be required to stay at home.


But the relaxation of measures – welcomed by many who suffered during the chaotic ‘pingdemic’ during the summer – does not apply to adults who are yet to receive their coronavirus vaccines.


They are not eligible for this new daily testing policy and they must self-isolate for 10 days if they are a contact of someone who tests positive, the government warned.


This comes as 1,239 new Omicron cases were confirmed in the UK – a record daily figure, and almost double the previous high, which was announced yesterday.


Health secretary Sajid Javid said: ‘The Omicron variant is quickly gaining ground in the UK and is expected to become the dominant strain by mid-December.




Sajid Javid insisted that vaccines 'remain our best defence' against the 'highly-transmissible'  Omicron variant (Picture: Getty)

Sajid Javid insisted that vaccines ‘remain our best defence’ against the ‘highly-transmissible’  Omicron variant (Picture: Getty)


The relaxation of rules, however, does not apply to unvaccinated adults (Picture: Getty)

The relaxation of rules, however, does not apply to unvaccinated adults (Picture: Getty)

‘We are taking this proportionate and more practical measure to limit the impact on people’s day to day lives while helping to reduce the spread of Omicron.’


However, the Department for Health and Social Care said anyone identified as a contact with a negative lateral flow test is ‘strongly advised’ to limit close contact with other people outside their household.


They are urged to stray away especially from crowded or enclosed spaces and from anyone who is more vulnerable.


The policy also aims to protect the public by identifying asymptomatic cases and stopping the chains of transmission.


It comes as new modelling suggests that, under one scenario, almost twice the number of Covid-19 patients could be hospitalised compared with last year due to the impact of the ‘highly-transmissible’ Omicron.


The move was announced by Boris Johnson earlier this week as part of the so-called ‘Plan B’, which also includes the return of face masks and vaccine passports in some settings.


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