From today, Monday 16 August, people who are fully vaccinated or who are under the age of 18 will no longer have to self isolate after close contact with someone who has Covid-19.

They should still take a PCR test and self solate if that is positive, or if they have symptoms of coronavirus. Anyone who has not been fully vaccinated must still self isolate for the full 10 days.

A person is classed as being fully vaccinated 2 weeks after having their second dose of an approved vaccine administered in the United Kingdom.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “This rule change underlines just how effective the Covid-19 vaccines are at protecting you and those around you, and the importance of getting fully vaccinated as soon as possible.

“People who are fully vaccinated will no longer have to automatically isolate for 10 days if they are contacted by Test and Trace or pinged by the Covid-19 app. Instead they are advised to take a PCR test, and only need to self isolate if they test positive.

“This means that the thousands of people who are fully vaccinated will be able to go about their normal routines without interruption, and only need to isolate if they test positive themselves.

“However, even when fully vaccinated, there are still things we can all do to protect our city, including continuing to wear face coverings in enclosed public space and on public transport, and taking regular rapid coronavirus tests.”

First and second doses of Covid-19 vaccines are available at walk in clinics across the city without needing to book ahead. Details can be found at Walk in vaccinations.  

For a timed appointment, vaccinations can also be booked online at Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines or by calling NHS 119.