Sajid Javid declares Covid self-isolation is being cut to FIVE full days as long as people test negative on day five and six in bid to ease pressure of staff absences from Omicron wave
Sajid Javid today declared that the self-isolation period is being cut to five full days in a bid to ease the pressure of staff absences from Omicron.
The Health Secretary confirmed the length of quarantine for positive cases is being reduced from the current seven days - which permits people to escape on the seventh day.
Instead, as of Monday people will be free in the sixth day - as long as they test negative on a lateral flow on days five and six.
The move came after NHS leaders, businesses and ministers joined the push for five full days, the timescale used in other countries including the US.
But government scientists had warned it could fuel the outbreak significantly, as people would be more likely to be infectious when they return to workplaces.
The news was hailed by firms as a 'great relief' after weeks of struggling to fill gaps in the workforce due to soaring infections. 
Health Secretary Sajid Javid (pictured yesterday) is set to confirm the length of quarantine for positive cases is being reduced from the current seven days
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Mr Javid updated MPs this afternoon after Boris Johnson said a decision would be made on the issue 'as fast as possible'.
The UK Health Security Agency guidance has been for cases to isolate for at least six full days from the point at which they have symptoms or get a positive test, whichever was first.
They can escape self-isolation after two negative lateral flow test results on days six and seven. The tests must be at least 24 hours apart.
But Mr Javid said that was now being trimmed.
Mr Javid told MPs that UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data showed 'that around two-thirds of positive cases are no longer infectious by the end of day five'.
He said that, from Monday, people will be able to take two tests to get out of isolation, 'leaving isolation at the start of day six'.
'I urge everyone to take advantage of the capacity we have buitl up on tests,' he told the Commons.
At Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, Mr Johnson said:' We are certainly looking at reducing the isolation period, and we hope to bring you more about that.. as fast as possible. '
The decision will be be welcomed by Tories who have called for the change and could help ease pressure on the embattled Prime Minister.
It will also help address staff shortages across the economy and public services by allowing people to return to work earlier.
The rise in hospitalisations appears to have stalled but many people are having to isolate with milder symptoms, putting pressure on businesses
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