Research and analysis

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.

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 27 April 2023
• Last updated: 18 May 2023 — See all updates

Applies to England

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COVID-19: early release from self-isolation using LFD tests

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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.

Published 27 April 2023
Last updated 18 May 2023 + show all updates

1. 18 May 2023

   Updated to include report authors.

2. 27 April 2023

   First published.