UK government extends Covid-19 self-isolation to 10 days from 7

The UK government has extended the quarantine period for anyone who tests positive or shows symptoms of having Covid-19 from 7 days to 10 days.

The change comes after chief medical officers found that there could be a slight chance that people could remain infectious for longer.

“In symptomatic people COVID-19 is most infectious just before, and for the first few days after symptoms begin,” the UK chief medical officers said in a statement on Thursday.

“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 infectiousness between 7 and 9 days after illness onset.”

The change will come into effect immediately.