Self-isolation for people who catch Covid could be cut from 10 to seven days this week.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid is pushing to shorten the period, which would allow tens of thousands of people to see their families in time for Christmas.

Under the proposed plans, Brits would no longer have to self-isolate if they get negative lateral flow tests on day six and seven.

The move would also help ease the pressure on the UK’s workforce, with many workers forced to stay at home as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly.

The change is expected to come into force this week, although details are still being finalised, the Times reports.

Under current rules, people who come into contact with a confirmed case who are not double-vaccinated must isolate for 10 days.

But the Cabinet Office has suggested allowing these people to be released through the use of daily lateral flow tests, in a bid to boost Britain’s workforce.

It comes after Boris Johnson ruled out immediately reimposing lockdown following an emergency Cabinet meeting yesterday on soaring cases.

The Prime Minister warned the situation is ‘extremely difficult’ and that hospitalisations are rising steeply in London.

Speaking after meeting, he said: ‘We will have to reserve the possibility of taking further action to protect the public, and to protect public health and the NHS, and we won’t hesitate to take that action.’

This story is being updated – more to follow.

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