Lower covid numbers

[Olive]

But even in self isolation they would have been told when they could mix and mingle again, so why were they told to do so before the final test was in ... I could be wrong but thats my understanding of it.

I don't think you should assume that they were told they could go out while in self-isolation.    Not everyone does what they are told.   It reads to me that they took it upon themselves to go out and mingle despite being supposed to isolate until their final test result came in.   

These isn't enough information yet, but by the sounds if it this person has broken the rules and the consequences might be hideous.