Covid-19: Minimum self-isolation period to be reduced in NI

The self-isolation period will be cut to five days, according to the Northern Ireland First Minister

The minimum self-isolation period for people in Northern Ireland who have Covid is to be cut from seven full days to five, the first minister has said.

Paul Givan said the change would take effect from Friday, 21 January.

But people will need to produce negative lateral flow tests on days five and six of their isolation.

Mr Givan said he was also hopeful more Covid restrictions could be lifted when the executive meets on Thursday.

England had already moved to change its policy on self-isolation rules earlier this month.

People who still test positive on these days must stay in isolation until they have had two negative tests taken on consecutive days, or after 10 days.

The rules apply whether someone is vaccinated or not.

• Shorter self-isolation rules come into effect

• Covid isolation cut to five full days in England

The Stormont Executive had been facing calls from businesses facing staff shortages due to the Omicron variant, to bring its policy into line with England.