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When should I self-isolate?

About self-isolation

Find out when you need to self isolate, and how long you should self-isolate for.


When do I have to self-isolate?

There are three main reasons you may need to self-isolate.

1) If you have travelled from outside the UK travel corridor

You must self-isolate if you have arrived in the UK from a country which is outside of a UK travel corridor. You will be required to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. Update: Update 18 January: all travel corridors to England have been suspended.

See our guidance for international students


2) If you or a member of your household has symptoms or has tested positive for of Covid-19

You must self-isolate when you or someone in your household or kitchen group:

  • Have symptoms of Covid-19
  • Are waiting to get tested
  • Are waiting for test results

This is to ensure that we can keep our community safe and reduce transmission rates.

Get tested on campus using our Test and Trace service


3) If you are asked to by Test and Trace

If you have been contacted by the campus or NHS services to tell you to self-isolate, you must do so immediately.


How long do I need to self-isolate for?

You need to self isolate for at least 10 days, depending on why you are self-isolating.


If you are unwell

If you have symptoms of Covid-19 you must immediately self-isolate for at least 10 days while you get a test for Covid.

How to book a test for Covid


If someone you know is unwell

If a household member has symptoms or a positive test (or someone you have been in close contact with), you must immediately self-isolate for at 10 days. You must self-isolate whether you have symptoms or not.

Find out more about living in households with Covid-19 infections