England to cut minimum COVID self-isolation to five days

Oli SCARFF / AFP

The minimum COVID-19 self-isolation in England will be cut to five days from seven if someone tests negative twice.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said this on Thursday, a move that could reduce staffing disruption in businesses and infrastructure.

"We've made the decision to reduce the minimum self-isolation period to five full days in England," Javid told parliament.

"From Monday, people can test twice before they go, leaving isolation at the start of day six," he added.