Irish Government announces changes to Covid-19 isolation periods

The Irish Government has announced changes to the isolation periods required for Covid-19, with the updated rules effective from midnight on 13 January.

This brings an end to the five-day isolation period for fully vaccinated close contacts who do not have any Covid-19 symptoms. They will, however, be advised to wear a medical or higher grade mask and to take regular antigen tests.

Close contacts who have not received a booster vaccine will have to restrict their movements for seven days. And anyone who has Covid-19 will now have to isolate for seven days, as opposed to 10 days.

Meanwhile, there is no longer a requirement to confirm an antigen test result with a PCR test for people aged four to 39 years.

The HSE website is to be updated in order to enable people upload positive antigen tests and close contact details, who are then to be sent tests.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the updated guidelines are coming about because the success of the vaccination programme, noting that it’s about balancing risk.

The Covid-19 isolation rules have been causing staff shortages across a range of sectors, including the hair and beauty industry.

The Irish Hairdressers Federation told the Irish Examiner that the latest wave of infections has had a “devastating effect” on salon owners. A spokesperson for the organisation said some salons reported four to eight staff as absent over a recent weekend.

Meanwhile, speaking on RTÉ Radio, Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar confirmed that when restrictions end, financial supports will also end for businesses. However, he said there would be a grace period and no cliff edge.