'Speed is of the essence' - CBI outlines solution for self-isolation

Lord Bilimoria reiterated his call for the government not to wait until 16 August, but immediately allow double-jabbed individuals not to self-isolate for 10 days, and create a route out of isolation for people not yet fully vaccinated (see notes to editors).

He has also called for clarity around the availability of free lateral flow tests for employees and citizens, and clearer communications from government around future country categorisation changes to help support the international travel sector, together with ramping up efforts for 100% full adult vaccination.

CBI President, Lord Karan Bilimoria, said:

“With restrictions being lifted and cases rapidly increasing, we urgently need a surefooted approach from government, creating confidence to secure the recovery.

“This starts by immediately ending the self-isolation period of ten days for people who are double-jabbed and providing a route out of isolation for those not yet fully vaccinated through daily lateral flow tests (see notes to editors). Against the backdrop of crippling staff shortages, speed is of the essence.

“Building and maintaining confidence is key to securing the economic recovery. Business and government will continue working together, helping people and businesses live safely and successfully with the virus.

“Mask wearing in enclosed spaces, especially transport, will help create confidence for both staff and customers, as will clarity around the future availability of free testing for employees.”

Notes to Editors:

The CBI suggests the following changes to self-isolation policy:
1. The Government should urgently bring forward its plans to allow double-jabbed individuals not to self-isolate if they have been informed by NHS Test and Trace that they have come into contact with a Covid positive individual.
2. Those not double jabbed should not need to self-isolate if they take daily lateral flow tests which record as negative for a prescribed number of days and report them to the NHS.