Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice

Changes to self-isolation – updated 5 January 2022 

Public Health guidance on the changes to the self-isolation rules from Thursday, 6 January 2022, which are not retrospective, are as follows:-

1. Positive cases are advised to self-isolate for 10 days. However, if the individual returns two consecutive negative LFD tests taken at least 24 hours apart with the first test no earlier than day 6 they may end isolation before the end of the 10 day period if they have no fever.
2. Close contacts who are fully vaccinated, having received 3 doses of the vaccination (plus 14 days) or are aged under 18 years and 4 months, can take daily LFD tests  for 7 days instead of isolation - provided the tests are negative and they remain without symptoms. Adults over 18 years and 4 months who have not received 3 doses of the vaccination, will need to book a PCR test and even if this is a negative result, they will need to isolate for 10 days.
3. Advice on confirmatory PCR tests where people test positive on a lateral flow device (LFD) test they are now not advised to get a PCR test to confirm infection, but to follow isolation advice as it applies to them as a positive case (see point 1) – there is an exception for people who may be eligible for the Self-Isolation Support Grant who are advised to take a PCR test to ensure they can confirm their infection to be potentially eligible for financial support.
4. Nursery aged children - where the contact is aged under 5 years they will be recommended to take a LFD before ending isolation but will not be required to take daily LFDs. There is no longer a requirement for any fully vaccinated or child or young person contact to take a PCR unless they develop symptoms.

For further guidance on self-isolation, please visit NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-infection

However, it is important to say that the health of all of our children, young people and staff is our priority which is why in all of our schools and educational settings, we will continue with our established risk assessments and infection prevention control measures including distancing where appropriate, the wearing of masks and asking for regular LFD tests to be taken (as per Scottish Government guidance ) to help keep everyone as safe as possible.