U.K. to Change Self-Isolation Rules to Prevent Covid Spread
U.K. to Announce Changes to Coronavirus Self-Isolation Period
(Bloomberg) --
The U.K. government is preparing to alter the isolation period required for people with Covid-19 as it tries to prevent a surge in cases.
Chris Whitty, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s senior medical adviser, will announce the changes Thursday, according to Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who declined to comment on reports those who test positive for the virus will need to self-isolate for 10 days instead of seven.
He also said it’s possible the U.K. will add more countries to its quarantine list in the coming days, with the government concerned about rising infections in parts of Europe.
“We want to do everything we possibly can to protect people here,” Hancock told the BBC. “The virus moves fast and so must we.”
Hancock’s comments are the latest sign ministers are preparing for a potential new spike in Covid-19 cases in the U.K. Johnson has warned the country must remain “vigilant,” and his government triggered a backlash when it suddenly imposed quarantine restrictions on travelers arriving from Spain.
“We want to take a precautionary approach to make sure that we can keep people in this country as a safe as possible,” Hancock said. “We can see sadly a second wave of coronavirus that is starting to roll across Europe and we want to do everything we possibly can to protect people here.”
Extending the self-isolation period would bring the U.K. in line with World Health Organization recommendations. While case numbers across the country are far below the numbers seen in March and April, recent local outbreaks in Leicester and Oldham, in central and northern England, show the risk of a new wave of infections.
But the government faces a balancing act as it tries to stimulate the economy while keeping Covid-19 cases down. Ministers were lambasted by airlines and tour operators following the decision to put the whole of Spain on the quarantine list, and the government’s hint that more countries will be added will do little to allay fears of further disruption.
Hancock said the government is working on using testing to cut the 14-day quarantine period for those returning from countries which have seen spikes in cases of the virus, but ruled out any imminent change to the rules.
©2020 Bloomberg L.P.