COVID-19 self-isolation: early release using LFD tests
Results of the policy to minimise time spent in self-isolation after a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result.
Applies to England
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The introduction of this policy kept the effectiveness of self-isolation in breaking chains of transmission while reducing the burden of isolation on the general public. Due to this policy, 717,722 individuals were able to leave self-isolation at some point from day 6 onwards after 2 negative lateral flow device (LFD) tests instead of observing a full 10 days of self-isolation.
Although the time when an individual took their second LFD test was not known, if it were assumed they tested first thing in the morning then, on average, each individual released early reduced their self-isolation period by 3.3 days. In total, this equates to 2,346,781 days being regained by individuals.
Updates to this page
Last updated 18 May 2023 + show all updates
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Updated to include report authors.
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First published.