ISOLATION REDUCED FOR THOSE INFECTED WITH COVID-19

The Health Ministry has reduced the mandatory isolation time for those who have contracted COVID-19.

After a person tests positive for the virus, they will be placed in isolation. If they do not show symptoms for days 5-7 of their time in isolation, they can leave home after testing negative.

However, if symptoms persist on day 7, an individual should continue to stay home.

If on days 8- 10 the person shows no symptoms of the virus, they can leave home without being retested. Acting Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Terri- Ann Joseph says this is permissible because a person is unlikely to be infectious by that time.

Meanwhile, a person who’s had direct contact with a COVID- 19 positive person will face different quarantine rules depending on their vaccination status.

If they’re unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, they’ll have to stay home for 14 days. If they’re fully vaccinated but haven’t received a booster shot, they should stay home for 10 days.

Meanwhile people who’ve received a booster shot will only be required to stay home for 7 days in quarantine.

If symptoms develop within the quarantine period, the person should be tested for the virus.