Isolation notes have been introduced by the government to enable employees to evidence their inability to work as a result of self-isolation due to coronavirus. They are intended to take the place of the usual MED3 fitness certificate which an employee can be required to provide in respect of sickness absence exceeding the seven day self-certification limit.

An isolation note may be obtained from the NHS website or NHS 111 online. The online service asks a few simple questions before generating an electronic certificate which can be emailed to the employee, to a nominated recipient such as a friend or to the employer direct. Provided that the employee has been advised to self-isolate by the NHS website, NHS 111 or a healthcare professional because they or someone that they live with has symptoms of coronavirus then a certificate will be provided.