Record numbers of Covid-19 cases are being recorded in the UK as the Omicron variant continues to sweep across the country.

Public services are resorting to emergency plans to mitigate staff shortages caused by the variant of coronavirus.

At least six hospital trusts have declared critical incidents – where priority services may be under threat.

Boris Johnson said on Monday that he would “make sure that we look after our NHS any way that we can”.

Scientists have warned that three quarters of people with new cold-like symptoms are likely to have coronavirus, and have called on the government to update its official symptoms list to help detect more cases.

The Omicron variant has been linked to slightly different symptoms to the ‘traditional three’ associated with other Covid-19 strains, with a scratchy throat, runny nose, fatigue and body aches and pains among the most common effects.

People are being encouraged to take a lateral flow test if they feel unwell or suspect they may have coronavirus symptoms, and to test themselves before meeting up with others.

If you do catch Covid-19, these are the isolation rules you need to follow, and what to do if you are still testing positive after the quarantine period ends.

Do you have to self-isolate if double jabbed?

he self-isolation period starts immediately from the onset of symptoms, or from when a positive lateral flow or PCR test was taken if you do not have any symptoms, and the next 10 full days.

If you get symptoms while you are self-isolating, the 10 days restarts from the day after your symptoms started.

These rules apply to everyone in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In England and Wales, self-isolation rules have recently been changed to allow people to end their quarantine after seven days.

Rules state that you can stop self-isolating after seven days providing you take a rapid lateral flow test on day six and seven of your self-isolation period and:

  • both of these tests are negative
  • the tests were take at least 24 hours apart
  • you do not have a high temperature
  • If you do a rapid lateral flow test on day six and the result is positive, you should wait 24 hours before you take the next test.

If this also comes back positive, it is advised that you remain in isolation for the full 10 days.

There is no change to the guidance for unvaccinated contacts of positive Covid-19 cases, who are still required to self-isolate for 10 full days after their date of exposure to the virus.

What happens if I still test positive after day 10?

You can stop isolating after 10 full dys if you no longer have any coronavirus symptoms, or if you just have a cough or changes to your sense of taste or smell.

These symptoms can last for several weeks after the infection has gone.

This means that even if you have a positive result, you are legally allowed to leave isolation after 10 full days, providing you meet the above criteria.

The only time you will need to continue isolating after 10 days is if you still have a high temperature or fever, or are feeling unwell.

In this case, it is advised that you continue isolating and seek medical advice.

The NHS offers a dedicated coronavirus helpline online for people who have questions or concerns, or you can call 119.