The period of self-isolation for those with Covid-19 has been slashed from 10 days to seven, it has been announced.
People will be able to stop self-isolating up to three days early if they test negative twice.
Those who produce negative lateral flow tests on both day six and their final day of quarantine will be able to reduce their time spent indoors, The Manc has reported.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the move has been informed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and is being taken to 'minimise disruption' caused by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
He did add that those leaving quarantine after day seven should "continue to remain cautious".
Under the previous rule, people had to self-isolate for 10 full days if they tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
The change to the required self-isolation period comes amid a spike in cases caused by the new variant - which is believed to have created staff shortages for businesses, health services - including NHS, social care, and other frontline services - and rail services.
The health secretary said the move to shorten the self-isolation period was "a very sensible, balanced and proportionate step" to take.
The new self-isolation guidance being introduced can be used by people who are isolating after testing positive for COVID, regardless of their vaccination status - but, as is currently the case, those who are not double jabbed will still have to isolate for the full 10 days if they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive.
Health officials have said that People should not end their isolation early if they are still experiencing symptoms.
Credit: iStock Photo
On top of that, just as the Health Secretary mentioned, health officials are strongly advising people ending their isolation period on day seven to limit contact with vulnerable people, not to visit crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and to work from home if they can.
Announcing the rule change, Mr Javid said: "We want to reduce the disruption to peoples everyday lives caused by the pandemic so today we will be cutting the self-isolation period from 10 days to seven days for those people that take a lateral flow on day six and day seven and the result of both those tests are negative.
"This decision has been informed by the advice of our clinicians at the UKHSA who have looked at this very carefully and they are very comfortable that the protection provided by making this change - so that people can leave isolation after day seven as long as they have taken these two lateral flow tests and the results are negative - that the protection it provides is very similar to 10 days of isolation without tests.
"Of course, anyone who leaves after day seven under this new procedure should continue to remain cautious."
The changes to this self-isolation come after the isolation period was reduced from 14 days to 10 this time last year as the Alpha variant spread rapidly through parts of the UK.
Mandatory isolation was dropped for vaccinated close contacts of a positive case during the Delta wave this year.
But that has now been replaced with daily Lateral Flow Testing.
Currently, the government is under increasing pressure from scientists to make a decision on further restrictions to slow the spread of Omicron - but last night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed he will not introduce any further COVID restrictions in England before Christmas.
He did, however, warn that the situation remains "finely balanced" ahead of the New Year.
The Swine Bistro is bringing back one of its most-loved and hotly anticipated events; its legendary Pie Nights.
Is there anything more comforting in winter than a proper hearty pie? No, we don't think so either.
And there's no better place to go for one than the beloved Swine Bistro.
Since reopening and relocating to Otley Road, the Swine Bistro has been named amongst the Good Food Guide and SquareMeal’s Top 100 Best Local Restaurants, and it's not hard to see why.
The Swine Bistro excels in bold British flavours, slow-cooked comfort and generous, joy-filled cooking - and this is exactly what Pie Nights showcase.
Image: SuppliedImage: The Hoot Leeds
This season’s Pie Night menu includes a mix of rich, meat-led classics and inventive vegetable-led pies, all made in-house and served with the Swine Bistro’s signature warmth and homely hosting.
The pie line-up includes Beef Cheek & Ox Tail, Chicken, Leek & Tarragon, Artichoke, Ricotta, Portobello & Walnut and Fennel, Hispi Cabbage, Butter Bean & Old Winchester.
Or if you're coming as a group and you can all agree on the filling (hard, we know), there is the show-stopping Suet-Topped Venison, Red Wine & Bone Marrow Pie, which is good enough for the table of Henry VIII.
Jo Myers, cofounder of the Swine Bistro, said; “Our love of making and serving the finest pies are a huge part of our story. They’re about taking the time to cook things properly, slow braises, good pastry, big, bold flavours for people to enjoy together. It’s comfort food, Swine-style.”
Pie Nights at The Swine Bistro will run on selected dates, initially kicking off on Wednesday 11 February, with further dates to be added, and are priced from £24 per person.
To find out more and to book your table, visit their website here.
Leeds City Council to discuss five-year plan to help support the future of Kirkgate Market
Clementine Hall
Senior councillors will next week be asked to approve a five-year strategy designed to guide Leeds Kirkgate Market successfully.
The council’s previous strategy for the historic market covered the period 2021 to 2026 and helped deliver impressive results, including increased footfall, a diverse and vibrant range of new businesses and a multi-million pound refurbishment of the site’s historic ‘blockshops' area.
Plans have now been revealed that aim to maintain the beloved site and keep it on its currant upwards trajectory between 2026 and 2031.
The plan sets out a vision for the market’s continued success as an inclusive, attractive and sustainable place where independent retailers can thrive.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Key points to achieve this include:
The construction – subject to planning approval – of STACK Leeds, a ‘container-style’ food, drink and entertainment attraction proposed for part of the market’s outdoor trading area;
The development, subject to final approval once full costings have been secured and assessed, of a hotel and council-run public gym on the George Street side of the market;
The continuation and enhancement of the market’s free events programme for children and families, which has become an important driver of footfall – particularly during school holidays – and underlines its proud reputation as a place that caters for the Leeds community as a whole;
Committing appropriate funds to the upkeep and maintenance of the Grade I listed market building;
Widening the digital ‘reach’ of the market by further growing its already-strong following across various social media platforms while also helping traders raise their own online profiles.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader, said: “Leeds Kirkgate Market is a hugely important part of local life and it’s a real source of pride that we, as a council, have been able to support it so strongly over the last five years through a mix of investment and innovative thinking.
“Recovery from the effects of the pandemic has not been easy, but today the market is in good shape and ready to face the future with confidence. We know, though, that we cannot afford to rest on our laurels and this new five-year strategy contains much to be excited about.
“My thanks to everyone at the market who took part in the consultation activity, it has played a vital role in the development of the strategy. Your support – and indeed the hard work and dedication that we see from traders and staff week in, week out – will help us ensure that Leeds Kirkgate Market continues to go from strength to strength.”
Emily Sergeant -
22nd December 2021 
