Changes to self-isolating, close contacts and testing rules

Following an announcement made by the Scottish Government on Wednesday 5 January, there are changes to the self isolation period, rules for close contacts and PCR testing. These changes will take effect from midnight on Thursday 6th January 2022 at 12 am.

Back to list 06/01/2022

SELF-ISOLATION

The number of days required to self-isolate has changed for people who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Self-isolation can now end after 7 days, provided the person doesn’t have a fever and they record two negative Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests – one on Day 6 and the second 24 hours later.

CLOSE CONTACTS

Anyone who is a close household or non-household contact of someone who tests positive for COVID, should immediately take an LFD test, even if the close contact doesn’t have symptoms.
As long as the LFD test is negative, the person is triple vaccinated and they continue to have no symptoms, they don’t need to self-isolate provided they take a daily LFD test which is negative for 7 consecutive days and they remain fever free during that time. If one of the daily tests is positive, they should self-isolate for 7 days.
Any close contact who is not fully vaccinated (3 doses) shouldtake a PCR test and self-isolate for 10 days.

TESTING

Anyone who has a positive LFD test should report the result online as soon as possible after the test. A PCR test is no longer required to confirm the result. Reporting the LFD result online provides access to advice and ensures contacts can be traced, informed and offered advice.
PRIORITY TESTING
Essential workers listed on the Scottish Government website and have COVID symptoms, are prioritised to get a PCR test.
You are also prioritised for PCR testing if you:

Are on the highest risk list
Are eligible for new coronavirus treatments

SELF-ISOLATION

While the initial advice when someone tests positive is still to self-isolate for 10 days, there is now an option to end isolation after seven days, as long as the person:

Has no fever and
They record two negative Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests - one no earlier than day six after testing positive and another at least 24 hours after that.

PRIORITY TESTING

Essential workers listed on the Scottish Government website and have COVID symptoms, are prioritised to get a PCR test.

You are also prioritised for PCR testing if you:

You can check the rules for individuals with possible coronavirus infection at NHS Inform

The NHS Fife COVID-19 Workforce guidance is currently being updated to reflect this change. Those working in health and social care should follow the sector specific guidance for staff cases and contact StaffLink for the latest guidance.