Two week self-isolation slashed to 10 days to help reunite families for Christmas

MINISTERS have today slashed the self-isolation period from two weeks to 10 days to help reunite families for Christmas.

Health chiefs had warned that lots of Brits were not sticking to rules because they are so draconian.

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It means Brits can have an extra four days of mixing without running the risk of having to self-isolate on December 25.

But anyone who comes into contact with a Covid patient after next Tuesday will have to self-isolate over Christmas.

Boris Johnson said today the move was recommended by the chief medical officers - but stressed people must stick to the rules.

He said: "On the advice of our Chief Medical Officers after a comprehensive review of the evidence, the self-isolation period will be reduced to 10 days from Monday across the UK. It’s essential we self-isolate when instructed to break the chain of transmission."

Health chiefs from across the four nations issued a statement today announcing it was safe to self-isolate for a shorter period - but warned it was still a crucial measure to stop the spread of Covid.

They said: "Self-isolation is essential to reducing the spread of Covid as it breaks the chains of transmission," a joint statement by the health chiefs 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 10 days.

"People who return from countries which are not on the travel corridor list should also self-isolate for 10 days instead of 14 days."

The health chiefs added those who test positive for Covid-19 should continue to self-isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms, or from taking a positive test if asymptomatic.

"We urge everyone to self-isolate when appropriate, it will save lives," they added.

Meanwhile, eligible workers ordered to self-isolate by the NHS app will be able to claim £500 in support.

Ministers are also ramping up the roll out of Moonshot mass testing programmes in a bid to pick up ‘secret spreaders’ who do not display any Covid symptoms.

The news will come as a massive relief to families across England who are preparing to make the most of the brief Christmas holiday from lockdown rules.

Up to three households are allowed to come together and form a single ‘festive bubble’ over the five days of Christmas.

Many families are planning to rein in their social contact so they do not risk accidentally spreading the killer bug this festive season.

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