There has been a change in rules meaning that double-jabbed people will no longer have to self-isolate if they come in contact with a positive case from today (16/8).
This change applies to adults that have had the second dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before coming in contact with someone that has COVID-19.
It also means that people who are under the age of 18-years-old can avoid self-isolation if they are a close contact in a bid to avoid disruption when schools go back next month.
The Government says that although the 10-day quarantine no longer applies, individuals who are a close contact will be advised to take a PCR test - but this is not compulsory.
If anybody develops symptoms themselves then they are still advised to get a PCR test and self-isolate until the test result comes back.
And it is still a legal requirement for people to self-isolate if they test positive for COVID-19.
The change in rules surrounding self-isolation has been hailed as "another step back towards normality".
It comes as approximately 155,000 local people are now fully vaccinated against the virus.
Sajid Javid, Health Secretary, said: "The British public have played a vital role following self-isolation rules throughout the pandemic and sacrificing so much to help bring the virus under control.
"The requirement for double-jabbed and under-18s who are contacts of people with COVID-19 has been removed as we cautiously take another step back towards normality, thanks to the phenomenal success of our vaccine rollout.
"Vaccines are what will bring this pandemic to an end, with over 84,000 lives already saved and 23 million infections prevented.
"Please come forward to receive your jab as soon as you can to protect yourself and the people around you."
