More and more people are continuing to test positive for Covid in the UK, and the rules for what you should do after that are often changing.

Previous information stated that individuals should isolate for ten days after testing positive through a PCR test

However, a recent Government announcement has once again slightly altered the rules about what should be done.

Here's what you action you will need to take from January 11 if you test positive.

What should you now do when you test positive for Covid?

It has been confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) that asymptomatic people in England who test positive will no longer require a confirmatory PCR test.

Those who test positive will instead be told to self-isolate for a week – and self-isolation will end if they test negative on days six and seven.

People who receive a positive result on a lateral flow device (LFD) will be required to self-isolate immediately, without requiring PCR confirmation.

The UKHSA said it is a temporary measure while Covid rates remain high across the UK.

However, if you do have symptoms of Covid you should still order in a PCR test.

What are the common symptoms of Covid?

According to the NHS website, the main symptoms of Covid are:

  • a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
  • a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
  • a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

How to order a PCR test online

If you have Covid symptoms you can order a PCR test through the NHS website here.