By Tony Winterburn • Published: 30 Jul 2020 • 12:52
THE government has announced that the self-isolation period has been increased from seven to 10 days for anyone in the UK who shows coronavirus symptoms or who has a positive Covid-19 test result.
Anyone currently self-isolating who may be nearing the end of their seven days – for example on day six of isolation – will now need to stay inside until they have reached 10 days. The new self-isolation period has now been agreed between the UK’s four chief medical officers.
England’s deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said the change was being made due to the “low but real possibility of infectiousness” between seven and 10 days after the onset of the illness.
A joint statement on behalf of all UK nations admitted the evidence was “still limited” that people were still infectious when they are “mildly ill and are recovering” but said it had “strengthened.”
Beforehand, anyone with a new cough, fever or loss of taste or smell was told to self-isolate for just seven days. From today, however, anyone who tests positive will be barred from leaving their home for 10 days.
Government scientists claim there is a “low, but tangible possibility that patients are infectious between seven and nine days” after they fall ill. With everyone now able to get a Covid test, officials say only a relatively small number of people will be impacted.
The tougher stance comes as cases continue to spike in parts of Europe, threatening to derail plans for Brits to return to work and schools to reopen.
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