Coronavirus isolation period to be reduced to 10 days

by Q Radio News

The number of days that people must self -isolate for  in Northern Ireland due to Covid-19 is being cut from 14 to 10 from Monday.

People who return from countries which are not on the travel corridor list should also self-isolate for 10 days instead of two weeks.

The decision was taken by the four UK Chief Medical officers, though the reduction already applies in Wales.

A joint statement has been released by the CMO's for Northern Ireland - Dr Michael McBride, England - Professor Chris Witty, Scotland - Dr Gregor Smith and Wales - Dr Frank Atherton.

“Self-isolation is essential to reducing the spread of COVID as it breaks the chains of transmission.

“After reviewing the evidence, we are now confident that we can reduce the number of days that contacts self-isolate from 14 days to 10 days.

"People who return from countries which are not on the travel corridor list should also self-isolate for 10 days instead of 14 days.

“People who test positive should continue to self-isolate for 10 days from onset of symptoms or 10 days from point of taking a positive test if asymptomatic. We urge everyone to self-isolate when appropriate, it will save lives.”

The Northern Ireland Covid-19 Apps -StopCOVID NI app and COVIDCare NI - will be updated to reflect the changes from Monday 14th December."