Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed the Executive’s decision to change COVID self-isolation rules for people who are fully vaccinated.
From next Monday, August 16, 2021, people who are fully vaccinated will no longer need to self-isolate for ten days if someone they have been in close contact with tests positive for COVID-19.
Instead, they should 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 applies to close contacts only. Anyone who has symptoms, whether vaccinated or not, should immediately book a PCR test. Anyone who has had a positive PCR test should self isolate for ten days.
The Health Minister said: “Today’s Executive decision provides yet another example of the benefits of being fully vaccinated.
“Getting both vaccine doses significantly reduces your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from the virus.
“The more we can push up Northern Ireland’s vaccination take-up the more we can reduce pressures on our health service in the weeks and months ahead.”