THERE is another big change in the coronavirus rules today with those fully vaccinated in contact with a positive case no longer forced to quarantine.

Here is everything you need to know as the rule changes comes in:

  • From today adults in England who have had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine will not have to spend 10 days in quarantine if they are a contact of a positive case.
  • The rule change applies to people who had their final dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before coming into contact with a positive case.
  • Under 18s also do not have to self isolate if they are a contact of a positive case in a move that is expected to prevent school children being off school from September.
  • It is being advised to take a PCR test if you have been in contact with someone infected with the virus - but that will not be compulsory and you will not have to self-isolate while you wait for the result.
  • If someone develops symptoms of the virus, the government says they should self-isolate and get a PCR test, and stay in isolation until the result comes back.
  • The change has been hailed “another step back towards normality”, and the 'end of the pingdemic' after people were forced to self isolate despite their fully vaccinated status.

As double jabbed people identified as close contacts are still at risk of being infected, people are advised to consider other precautions such as wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces, and limiting contact with other people, especially with anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable.

Health Secretary and Worcestershire MP Sajid Javid said: “The British public have played a vital role following self-isolation rules throughout the pandemic and sacrificing so much to help bring the virus under control.

“The requirement for double-jabbed and under-18s who are contacts of people with Covid-19 has been removed as we cautiously take another step back towards normality, thanks to the phenomenal success of our vaccine rollout.

“Vaccines are what will bring this pandemic to an end, with over 84,000 lives already saved and 23 million infections prevented.

“Please come forward to receive your jab as soon as you can to protect yourself and the people around you.”