New Self-Isolation Rules Come Into Effect

People who are fully vaccinated no longer need to automatically self-isolate following close contact with someone who has tested positive.

Changes to COVID-19 self-isolation rules, agreed by the Executive last week, come into effect today, Monday 16 August.

While the fully vaccinated are no longer required to self-isolate, they will now be required to get a PCR test on day two and day eight of the 10 day period. People who are not fully vaccinated will still need to self-isolate for the 10 days.

This policy change on self-isolation applies to close contacts only. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, whether vaccinated or not, you should immediately book a PCR test and self-isolate until you get the result. If the PCR test is positive, you should keep self-isolating for the 10 day period.

The approach to self-isolation for close contacts who are health and social care workers remains as stated in the letter issued on 23/07/2021 by the Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride.

This approach is under active review, with an update planned in the coming days.