Today is the last day you can test positive for Covid and be out of isolation for Christmas

Christmas is around the corner, and while many of us have already planned out our holiday and are all set to reunite with our families and friends—coronavirus still poses a huge threat to our festivities.

And people on Twitter have suddenly realised that today is the last day you are able to test—according to CDC recommendations in the US, and NHS guidelines in the UK —for the virus and be out of lockdown in time for Christmas.

It’s a scary and dreadful feeling that we might have to spend the day alone if we contract the virus, and naturally, people are freaking out about the implications a positive test would have—and how to ensure it doesn’t happen to them.

Per the CDC’s website, if you test positive for Covid-19 and have no symptoms and continue not to have any, you can “be with others after 10 days have passed since you had a positive viral test for Covid-19 (based on the date you were tested).”

However, if you do develop any symptoms after testing positive you must restart your 10-day isolation period.

“Depressing date for the diary. Today is the last day you can test positive for Covid and be out of isolation for Christmas Day,” wrote UK news reporter Harry Cole.

“Harry don't. I can't even think about how bad that would be,” wrote Kate McCann.

Another Twitter user admitted, “Laid awake last night feeling anxious about this.”

Others in the replies pointed out the drastic way Covid-19 has shifted our priorities.

“Normally it's the last day for posting parcels we all wonder about,” wrote one.

Another said, “Remember when this type of announcement was about posting presents…”