[ad_1]
Self-isolation will no longer be required for Covid positive case contacts under plans announced by the government on Monday.
Instead, contacts of those who test positive will be asked to undergo daily tests for seven days and in the meantime allowed to go about their business.
Ministers will say that the current system, which was criticized by the government’s own advisers as “grossly ineffective and hated,” will be dismantled across the country in January if the pilot plans are successful.
In addition to ending the self-isolation system, it could be part of an exit strategy from tiered restrictions. Poor adherence to the current isolation system, which requires people to stay home for 14 days, is one of the key drivers of infection rates, which has driven areas to higher levels. Officials expect people to be more likely to comply with rapid tests that release them from the restrictions, than to comply with two-week quarantines.
The plan to end self-isolation is part of a broader mass testing strategy that could also allow nursing home residents to receive frequent visits from loved ones.
Testing will be implemented for visitors to nursing homes, allowing family members to hug and hold hands. If that pilot plan in 20 homes is successful, starting next month, each resident nursing home in the country will be able to have up to two visitors who can be evaluated twice a week.
[ad_2]
