To ask the Minister of Health to detail the evidence behind the reduction in days of self-isolation required by people testing positive for the Novel Coronavirus.

Modelling from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been used to inform the change to self-isolation guidance in Northern Ireland, and to inform similar recent changes across the other UK nations.

Under the previous position it was estimated that around 6% of people were infectious if they were released early from isolation on day 7, following 2 consecutive negative lateral flow tests. Under the revised arrangements if an individual was to leave isolation early on day 6, after 5 full days of isolation and two negative lateral flow tests taken on day 5 and 6, it is estimated that around 7% of individuals may still be infectious – an estimated increase of 1%.

The requirement to have two negative lateral flow tests is an important safeguard in the approach. UKHSA modelling suggests that just over 20% of people may still be infectious if they left isolation on day 6 without the added safeguard of the consecutive negative lateral flow tests.

UKHSA modelling estimates that around 5% of individuals will still test positive on day 10.

Further information on current isolation guidance can be found at:

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-self-isolating-and-close-contacts