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The rule change will finally bring to an end the so-called pingdemic, which has forced millions of workers to stay at home and prevented children from going to school, even if they are free of Covid infection. Those who have received both Covid jabs and are subsequently contacted by NHS Test and Trace – or through the COVID-19 app – will no longer have to go into quarantine. Instead, they will be advised to get a PCR test as soon as possible and will be allowed to continue their normal lives while awaiting the results.
Ministers are still cautioning those pinged to wear masks in enclosed spaces and avoid other people, particularly the vulnerable and elderly.
Anyone testing positive after their PCR test will still be legally obliged to isolate irrespective of their jab status or age.
The new rules should see an end to the chaos caused by the pingdemic which led to empty supermarket shelves and the closure of restaurants and pubs, as staff were forced in their droves to go into isolation.
Figures a fortnight ago showed that a record 1.2 million were told to quarantine in just one week, including nearly 700,000 who were pinged by the Covid-19 app.
School bubbles will also be scrapped and replaced by a new testing regime, that should ensure students don’t miss lessons if one of their number comes down with Covid.
School children and students will have to take two on-site tests at the start of the new term, followed by twice weekly lateral flow tests at home.
Current quarantine regulations governing travellers returning from overseas trips will remain in force.
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“Double-jabbed people who test positive will still need to self-isolate.”
Mr Javid continued: “Vaccines are what will bring this pandemic to an end – the wall of defence provided by the rollout is allowing us to get even closer to normal life.
“If you haven’t already, please make sure you come forward for your jab at the earliest opportunity.’
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