VACCINATED Brits who have contact with someone who has Covid must take seven daily lateral flow tests under new government rules.
The new measures, which apply from Tuesday, apply to double jabbed people as well – but the 10-day isolation period for Omicron contacts has been axed.
Unvaccinated adults must still self-isolate for 10 days if they are a contact of anyone who tests positive for any Covid variant.
Boris Johnson introduced the tougher rules on Omicron contacts having to isolate for 10 days after the first casesof the variant in England.
But Health Secretary Sajid Javid has now announced those measures to curb the spread of the infectious super-strain will be axed.
Omicron is expected to become the dominant Covid variant in the UK over the next few days as cases continue to surge.
A Department of Health spokesman said the move was "practical" amid a "significant" spike in Omicron infections.
Mr Javid said: "The Omicron variant is quickly gaining ground in the UK and is expected to become the dominant strain by mid-December.
“We are taking this proportionate and more practical measure to limit the impact on people’s day to day lives while helping to reduce the spread of Omicron.
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“Vaccines remain our best defence and I urge anyone yet to get a first and second jab to come forward and those eligible for a booster to get boosted as soon as possible."
People will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace or be pinged on the the NHS Covid app if they have contact with anyone who has tested positive.
They will be advised to get a box of seven free lateral flow tests from NHS Test and Trace through pharmacies, schools or home delivery by ordering online.
Anyone who tests positive or who gets Covid symptoms should self-isolate and take a PCR test to verify the result.
We are taking this proportionate and more practical measure to limit the impact on people’s day to day lives while helping to reduce the spread of Omicron
If the PCR result is positive they must self-isolate for 10 days from the day they took the positive rapid test or developed symptoms.
It comes as data revealed boosters offer up to 75 per cent protection from mild infection from Omicron.
UKHSA figures showed immunity from two doses of AstraZeneca was close to zero after six months, but a third dose with Pfizer saw protection from the super-strain rocket as high as 70 per cent.
The Sun's Jab's Army has urged Brits to come forward and have their life-saving Covid shot, with volunteers also needed to drive the rollout.
Dr Jenny Harries, CEO of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), urged Brits to come forward and get their jabs.
She said: "Our latest analysis shows that boosters provide the best protection against the Omicron variant, please go forward when you are called.
"If you haven’t had any vaccine, a first and second dose still gives you protection against becoming seriously unwell."
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