Self-isolation period reduced
People who test positive for Covid-19 will be able to leave self-isolation after 5 full days if they have 2 negative lateral flow tests, Health Minister Eluned Morgan today confirmed.
The 2 consecutive negative lateral flow tests must be taken on days 5 and 6 of the isolation period.
The changes are being made after a thorough examination of the evidence from Public Health Wales and bring Wales into line with changes made elsewhere in the UK.
They will come into effect from 28 January, at the same time as Wales is expected to complete the move to alert level 0.
A shorter self-isolation period will support public services and businesses by reducing pressures on the workforce through Covid-related staff absences.
Financial support through the Self-Isolation Support Scheme which will return to the original payment rate of £500 in recognition of the shorter isolation period. People who need support with essentials such as shopping and pharmacy goods will be able to access help through their local authority and voluntary organisations.
Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan said:
“Self-isolation is one of the most effective ways of preventing the onward spread of this virus and disrupting its transmission. But self-isolating for long periods can have a negative impact on our mental health and can be damaging for our public services and the wider economy.
“After carefully reviewing all the available evidence, we believe that testing on days 5 and 6 together with 5 full days of isolation will have the same protective effect as a 10-day isolation period.
“But it is really important everyone self-isolates and uses lateral flow tests in the way advised to ensure they protect others from the risk of infection.
“The response from the public has been outstanding in Wales throughout the pandemic and we want to thank everyone for working with us to keep Wales safe.
“The booster jab has lessened the likelihood of severe cases of the virus and hospitalisation so I encourage anyone who is yet to have their vaccine to take up the offer.”
If a person is currently self-isolating as a positive case, or tests positive for Covid-19, they must self-isolate for 5 full days and should take a lateral flow test on day 5 and another test 24 hours later on day 6.
If both results are negative, it is likely they are not infectious and can stop isolating.
But anyone who tests positive on either day 5 or day 6 must continue to self-isolate until they have 2 negative tests taken 24 hours apart or until day 10, whichever comes first.
This change reflects the latest evidence from Public Health Wales. Guidance on self-isolation for those working in more sensitive areas such as health and care will issue shortly.
Further details are also available on: Written Statement: Reducing the self-isolation period to five days (26 January 2022) | GOV.WALES.
Guidance on self-isolation can be found on: Self-isolation | GOV.WALES (Please check back for update).
International travel
Statement by the First Minister, Mark Drakeford MS:
Throughout the pandemic, we have taken a precautionary approach towards international travel because of the risks of contracting coronavirus while abroad and importing new forms of the virus into the UK.
We have advised people to only travel overseas if their journey is essential and have urged people to consider a holiday in the UK.
Thanks to the success of our fantastic vaccination programme, the vast majority of adults in Wales have now completed the primary, 2-dose course of the Covid-19 vaccine. In addition, more than 1.8 million adults have the added protection of a booster dose or, in the case of immuno-suppressed adults, a third primary dose, providing essential extra protection against the omicron variant.
Around the world, efforts to vaccinate the world’s population are continuing. The World Health Organisation has recently reported that a shipment of 1.1 million Covid-19 vaccines to Rwanda included the billionth dose supplied via COVAX. However, we recognise that, in many parts of the world, more needs to be done to increase access to Covid-19 vaccines and the roll-out of vaccinations.
As we move beyond the Omicron wave of Covid-19 we will also see a greater opportunity for individuals to return to making decisions based on their own circumstances. On that basis, and because of the vaccination success set out above, we will no longer advise people to only travel overseas if their journey is essential.
Instead, we are asking everyone considering booking trips abroad to think of their own personal and family circumstances and how best they can keep themselves safe if they decide to travel abroad this year. We urge all those who are vulnerable to take extra precautions to stay safe.
Read the announcement in full on Gov.Wales.
Useful COVID-19 information
As each premises is different, businesses should read all guidance. This continues to be updated so please check back regularly for the latest information.
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Stay up to date with tourism industry news
Take a look at our latest Visit Wales industry newsletters and bulletins: Tourism Newsletter/Bulletin | Business Wales (gov.wales)
These include the latest tourism industry news from Wales and information for the industry on Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Business Wales is providing businesses with tailored support and advice about dealing with coronavirus, from financial and supply chain planning to advice on staffing issues. We would advise Tourism businesses and stakeholders in Wales wanting specific guidance to visit the Business Wales website or call Business Wales helpline on 03000 6 03000, and to regularly visit the Public Health Wales website for up-to-date public health information for you, your staff and your visitors.
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