Self-isolation

People who test positive for coronavirus or show symptoms must now self-isolate for at least 10 days, rather than seven.

Until now, those showing key symptoms - a new continuous cough, a temperature or loss of taste or smell - have had to self-isolate for at least a week.

The change, announced by the UK's chief medical officers, last week is in line with World Health Organization guidance and comes as ministers try to avoid a resurgence of the virus.

In symptomatic people, Covid-19 is most infectious just before, and for the first few days after, symptoms begin. It is very important that people with symptoms self-isolate and get tested, to allow contact tracing.

Evidence, although still limited, has strengthened and shows that people with Covid-19, who are mildly ill and are recovering, have a low, but real possibility of increased transmission of infection between seven and nine days following the onset of their illness.

The Government is considering how best to target interventions to reduce the risk to the general population. At this point in the pandemic, with widespread and rapid testing available, and considering the relaxation of other measures, it is now the correct balance of risk to extend the self-isolation period from seven to 10 days for those who have symptoms or a positive test result.

This will help provide additional protection to others. This is particularly important to protect those, who have been shielding and in advance of the autumn and winter period.

Guidance before 30 July             

• A minimum period of seven days' self-isolation for anyone with coronavirus symptoms or a positive test result.
• A minimum period of 14 days' self-isolation for household members of a confirmed case individual or those who have been in recent close contact.             

Guidance after 30 July

• A minimum period of 10 days' self-isolation for anyone with coronavirus symptoms or a positive test result.
• A minimum period of 14 days' self-isolation for household members of a confirmed case individual or those who have been in recent close contact.