Self-isolation periods for Covid-19 positive cases in Ireland has been reduced from 14 days to 10 days.
The new clinical guidance has been issued to GPs by the Health Service Executive and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
Under the change, the patient must be fever free for the last five days but for close contacts, people must still restrict their movements for 14 days.
The changes from 14 to 10 days apply to positive cases in the community. It does not apply to people arriving here from non-Green List countries.
The changes follow a review of international evidence including a study by the Health Information & Quality Authority.
Earlier, infectious diseases consultant Clíona Ní Cheallaigh described the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in Ireland as “worrying”.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne, she said: “The scene is changing in hospitals, and they are starting to see patients unwell with Covid.”
Dr Ní Cheallaigh said Covid-19 is spreading more rapidly from indoor settings, and from households and urged people to “think that everyone you come into contact with has the virus, and avoid all situations where it can be passed on”.
In relation to the wearing of face coverings, Dr Ní Cheallaigh said even in settings where a two-metre distance can be guaranteed, such as in an office environment, “there is no downside to wearing a mask, and it may give you extra protection”.
She said people in a closed space, such as in a pub, will be at a higher risk.
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