The majority of coronavirus restrictions in Wales have been lifted, but case numbers remain high and the Welsh Government is warning that it has not gone away. They say: "Even though restrictions have been lifted, you should do all you can to keep yourself and others safe."
It is not longer a legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive, but the advice is to do so if you feel unwell, wear masks in crowded places and keep up to date with vaccinations.
The Welsh Government's advice site says: "Continuing with protective behaviours is important and will help to minimise exposure to and spread of COVID-19, as well as other respiratory infections and other diseases."
READ MORE: NHS adds six more Covid symptoms to official list
The percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus continues to increase in Wales and England. The latest figures from the ONS show that one in 14 people in Wales have coronavirus, compared to 1 in 13 in England and one in 12 in Scotland.
But with many of the legal restrictions lifted, what should you do if you test positive. Read where what the rules and regulations are around the UK.
Here is the advice from the Welsh Government on what you should do:
What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19
If you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate and take a lateral flow test (LFT).
You can order LFTs online or call 119 between 7am and 11pm (calls are free). In Wales, you can get a free LFT if you have symptoms.
The Welsh Government advice is: "Continue to self-isolate until you get your LFT test result"
The main symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- A high temperature.
- A continuous cough.
- Loss or change of taste or smell.
The NHS has also added six new official Covid symptoms to the list of signs that could indicate you have the virus as free testing has now been scrapped. The list of official symptoms has gone from three to nine - the first extension in two years.
The new list of symptoms includes the three previously listed, and adds:
- Shortness of breath.
- Feeling tired or exhausted.
- An aching body.
- A headache.
- A sore throat.
- A blocked or runny nose.
- Loss of appetite.
- Diarrhoea.
- Feeling sick or being sick.
You can leave self-isolation immediately if the test comes back negative.
If you test positive on any COVID-19 test
The Welsh Government says:
- You should self-isolate for 5 full days. Day 1 is the day after your symptoms started or the day you had the test, if you do not have symptoms (whichever is earlier).
- Take a lateral flow test (LFT) on day 5.
If the day 5 LFT is negative
- Report your LFT result.
- You should take another LFT on day 6.
- If your day 6 is also negative and you do not have a high temperature, you can leave self-isolation on day 6 as the risk you are still infectious is much lower and you can safely return to your normal routine.
- If you still have a high temperature or feel unwell, you should continue to self-isolate until it returns to normal, or you feel better.
If the day 5 or 6 LFT test is positive
- Report your result.
- You should continue taking daily LFTs until you get 2 negative tests in a row, taken a day apart, or until day 10 – whichever is sooner.
- You do not need a negative LFT test on day 10 to leave self-isolation.
- If you still have a high temperature or feel unwell, you should continue to self-isolate until it returns to normal, or you feel better.
If you do not have symptoms but you test positive
You may be advised to take a PCR or LFT as part of workplace arrangements.
If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 (within the last 90 days) you should take a LFT instead of a PCR. This is because there is a risk that a PCR test may detect residual traces of the virus leftover in your body.
If your test result is positive, you should self-isolate and follow the above self-isolation guidance.
NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect
If you test positive, the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect service may contact you. They will call from 029 2196 1133 , or text or email from NHSWALESTTP to give you advice on self-isolation.
They will need to find out who you have been in close contact with recently. You may choose to complete contact tracing through an online form (eform), and they will send a secure one-time code to you via text message.
This will include the link to the eform you need to complete. It is important that you complete the form as quickly as possible and provide details of your contacts so they receive the correct advice.
Children under the age of five
The Welsh Government says: "Children under five do not need to take a test, even if they have COVID-19 symptoms. They can take a test if a doctor advises it, or if a parent believes a test is absolutely necessary and in the best interests of a child.
"If they have symptoms, they do not need to self-isolate. They should stay home until they are well enough to return to school or childcare setting.
"If a child takes a test and it is positive, they should self-isolate for at least five full days. The child and contacts need to follow the guidance above."
During your self-isolation period
The Welsh Government advice says you should stay at home for the whole time you are self-isolating. You should also follow this advice if you have a positive LFT result, even if you do not have any symptoms.
You should not:
- go to work
- go to school
- go to the shops (even to buy food or essentials)
- go to anyone else’s house
- go to public places or places of worship
- use public transport or taxis
- go out to exercise
- have visitors in your home (unless you or a member of your household receives essential care, then carers should continue to visit and use their facemasks and gloves to reduce the risk of you passing on the infection)
Employment and self-isolation
Business, employers, and other organisations have a duty to protect their employees and customers from exposure to and spread of communicable diseases, including COVID-19. Employers by law have a duty to take reasonable measures to minimise the risk from exposure to and spread of COVID-19.
If as a result of an employer’s action a person fails to self-isolate when required to do so, the employer may be guilty of an offence. They could face a fine up to £10,000.
You should discuss your situation with your employer or trade union representative, as we advise you not to return to work during the self-isolation period or if the results of the tests you take on day 5 or 6 are positive in order to prevent the virus spreading to others.
With recording sickness, we have recommended to employers that self-isolation should not be recorded against an employee’s sickness record.
Get a self-isolation note for your employer
If your employer has asked for a self-isolation note, use the COVID-19 symptom checker on NHS 111 Wales . The self-isolation notes are only available to patients who are advised to self-isolate by the online symptom checker. The self-isolation note generates a Unique Reference Number (URN) which an employer will be able to use to verify that your note is genuine.
Please do not call 111 as the call handlers will be unable to assist you.
If you still feel unwell after 5 full days, you should contact your GP. This may result in your GP issuing a fit note (amongst other investigative actions) which you will need to give to your employer.
If you have arranged to get a test for COVID-19 and the result is positive you will receive written notification of your positive status from TTP. This will also confirm your need to self-isolate for at least 5 full days. This can be shared with your employer.
