The quarantine period for travellers returning from high-risk countries to the UK has been reduced to ten days. The UK government had earlier mandated a 14 day quarantine period that has now been shortened. Additionally, self-isolation for people in contact with coronavirus patients will be similarly shortened. This new development comes in the light of falling COVID-19 cases across England and Ireland. These new changes apply across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Chief medical officers across the UK reviewed evidence and then made a decision

In contrast, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that in the week to December 5th, there were increases in coronavirus case numbers in London and the East of England. Chief medical officers in all four home nations reviewed the evidence and arrived at the decision to reduce the quarantine period.

In a joint statement, they said: “After reviewing the evidence, we are now confident that we can reduce the number of days that contacts self-isolate from 14 days to ten days.People who return from countries which are not on the travel corridor list should also self-isolate for ten days instead of 14 days. People who test positive should continue to self-isolate for ten days from onset of symptoms or ten days from the point of taking a positive test if asymptomatic.”

They added: “We urge everyone to self-isolate when appropriate, it will save lives.”

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