COVID-19: SO YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD HAS TESTED POSITIVE

So you live in England and have tested positive for COVID-19 using a Lateral Flow Test or PCR test.  Or someone in your household has.  What should you do, according to current guidance and regulations?

The guidance here is self-explanatory, including:

• Self-isolating for 10* days if you do (or could) have COVID-19
• Taking Lateral Flow tests for 7 days in certain circumstances where you have been a contact of someone who has tested positive

* [Update 22/12/21]  "

"People infected with Covid in England can stop self-isolating up to three days early if they test negative twice, it has been announced.

They will now be able to end quarantine after seven days instead of 10 by providing negative lateral flow results on day six and day seven."

This is how one hospital suggests staff who have symptoms of COVID-19 should act:

WHAT IF YOU TEST NEGATIVE?

Bear in mind that LFTs and PCR tests cannot detect low quantities of virus, and so a negative result is not a guarantee that you are not infected.  Take precautions in mixing with other people, both to protect yourself and to protect others.