School students who catch Covid-19 can end their isolation after seven days following two negative tests taken 24 hours apart, the government has confirmed.

There has been confusion over whether the reduction in the 10-day isolation period, announced last week, applies to school pupils.

The rules state that it is possible to end self-isolation after seven days, following two negative lateral flow tests taken 24 hours apart, with the first test taken on the sixth day.

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Some school leaders and teachers have queried whether the policy was intended for schools, because it states that those who end their self-isolation period early must avoid “crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces”.

The rules state: “To further reduce the chance of passing Covid-19 on to others, if you end your self-isolation period before 10 full days you are strongly advised:

• to limit close contact with other people outside your household, especially in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces;
• to work from home if you are able to;
• in addition to venues where it is a legal requirement, to wear a face covering in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces and where you are in close contact with other people;
• to limit contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with Covid-19.”

However, an official has now confirmed to Tes that the policy does apply to school pupils, including those attending SEND (special educational needs and disability) settings.

The clarification comes amid a national shortage of lateral flow tests and warnings over PCR testing availability.

Secondary schools have been told to run on-site Covid tests for students returning in January.

New isolation rules for those who test positive for Covid-19

Source: UK Health Security Agency