On Air The Afternoon Show Chris Quirk | 3:00pm - 5:30pm

End to self-isolation for Covid-19 close contacts

New home testing scheme launched

Close contacts of those with Covid-19 will no longer have to self-isolate under a new home testing scheme.

Until now, those who haven't been fully-vaccinated have had to quarantine if they've been identified as a close contact of someone with the virus.

Now, however, those who aren't fully-vaccinated and show no Covid-19 symptoms won't have to undergo a PCR test or quarantine.

Instead, close contacts will be encouraged to take part in a seven-day home testing program and remain vigilant for symptoms.

The changes will apply retrospectively to any close contacts who're already isolating.

Anyone who's tested positive for Covid-19 will still have to self-isolate.

Lateral flow testing kits are available to close contacts this evening between 8pm and 10pm at the car parks of Ramsey Grammar School, Castle Rushen High School, Ballakermeen High School and QEII High School.

The kits will be free of charge and come in packs of seven.

Anyone collecting one is asked to wear a face covering when attending.

After tonight, the kits will be available for close contacts from tomorrow (15 July) from numerous pharmacies - details of these will be published in due course.

Close contacts who use the kits are being asked to do one test per day for seven days.

Each test result can be confirmed anonymously online - the link for it is available HERE.

Anyone who gets a positive result will have to isolate immediately and call 111 and possibly undertake a PCR test.

If that PCR test comes back positive, they'll need to quarantine for 10 days.

Government adds whilst these changes mean there will be no legal restrictions on close contacts, precautions should be considered.

Officials say this could include telling your employer you're a close contact and if you're undertaking home testing as well as telling family and friends.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle is due to hold a Covid-19 press briefing tomorrow afternoon (15 July) at 4pm.

More from Isle of Man News