ISLANDERS who do not have symptoms and test positive for Covid using a lateral flow test no longer need a follow-up PCR to begin their isolation period.

From today (Tuesday), if you receive a positive result on a lateral flow test (LFT), you will still need to self-isolate immediately and report your result on gov.uk.

This rule change applies to everyone, both vaccinated or unvaccinated.

After reporting a positive LFT result, NHS Test and Trace will get in touch and trace your contacts.

During this time, you must continue to self-isolate.

People experiencing the three main symptoms of Covid — a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste — will still be expected to isolate immediately and book a PCR test online or by calling 119 as soon as possible.

Isle of Wight County Press: keeptheislandsafe.org is led by the Isle of Wight Council with support from the Isle of Wight NHS Trust. Picture courtesy of Isle of Wight Council. keeptheislandsafe.org is led by the Isle of Wight Council with support from the Isle of Wight NHS Trust. Picture courtesy of Isle of Wight Council.

Those who return a positive PCR result are required to isolate immediately for up to ten days — reduced to seven if you get a negative result on day six and seven of their period of isolation.

Simon Bryant, the council's director of public health, said: "The rates of Covid-19 infection across the Island continue to be very high.

"Once again, I would stress the importance of being vaccinated and having a booster jab.

“All of the indications are that this gives you high protection from serious illness from either the Delta or Omicron variant of the virus.

“So please, if you have still not had a vaccine or booster, make it your new year resolution to do so.

"At the same time, all of the behaviours we know so well — hands, face, space, ventilate — have to continue to be a core part of our daily lives to prevent us catching or transmitting the virus in the first place."

Isle of Wight County Press: Those who have no symptoms and test positive from a LFT, no longer need a PCR.Those who have no symptoms and test positive from a LFT, no longer need a PCR.

Councillor Karl Love, cabinet member for public health, added: "Islanders must remain vigilant.

"Please get vaccinated if you have not been.

“This helps save lives and protects our key workers who are working incredibly hard in difficult circumstances for you, our Island people." 

For more information on Covid, visit keeptheislandsafe.org.