Covid: Who has to self-isolate and for the way lengthy?

Image rightsGetty Images

A pilot project is underway in nine parts of England to encourage support for people who self-isolate.

People who test positive for coronavirus and people who are at risk of exposure must self-isolate.

When do I have to isolate myself?

You are legally required to self-isolate if:

Do I get paid if I have to self-isolate?

You may also be eligible for statutory sick pay if you self-isolate. This is £ 96.35 a week and can be more if your employer has a sickness benefit scheme.

What does self-isolation mean?

Self-isolating means staying at home and not leaving it.

You shouldn’t go out for any reason, including to buy groceries, medicine, other essentials, or to exercise.

You should order groceries online or seek help from friends or family by leaving items on your doorstep.

What are the rules if I have Covid symptoms?

If you have no symptoms but have tested positive for the disease, you will need to self-isolate for at least 10 days. This starts on the day you took the test. If you develop symptoms, you’ll need to restart your 10-day isolation.

What are the rules if I live with someone with Covid?

If someone you live with has coronavirus, you must self-isolate as well, whether or not you have symptoms.

This means that you are not allowed to leave the house for 10 days from the day they first fell ill or, if they have no symptoms, from the day they had a test.

Then, if they start showing symptoms, you will need to start a new 10-day period of isolation.

How do I isolate myself when living with others?

If you have symptoms or test positive, you need to try to stay away from other members of your household.

You should stay in a well-ventilated room where you can open a window but keep the door closed.

You should also use a separate bathroom. If this is not possible, use the bathroom after everyone else and then thoroughly clean it.

Meals should be taken in your room and not in a common area such as the kitchen.

How are the rules enforced?

Anyone who does not self-isolate can be fined.

However, there have been concerns about how many people are following the rules.

Some studies have shown that less than 20% of people follow the rules completely. The government’s scientific advisory board, Sage, highlighted research suggesting that lower-income people are much less likely to feel able to self-isolate.

How do I isolate myself when traveling to the UK?

Travelers entering the UK from an amber list country are required to self-isolate for 10 days. The tests take place on days two and eight.

You can visit green list countries without quarantining yourself on return, provided you have taken a test before traveling, completed a passenger search form, and paid for a test on the second day after your return.

Some workers are exempt from quarantine. You can find the full list here. It includes bus, bus and truck drivers as well as top athletes.