Ten-day isolation period for COVID cases is stood down
From midnight on Friday 14 January, new rules on isolation and testing will come into effect.
Fully vaccinated and boosted people who are close contacts of those diagnosed with COVID will no longer need to isolate for five days if they have no symptoms.
However, they must wear a medical or higher-grade mask, and to take regular antigen tests.
Unboosted close contacts should restrict their movements for seven days.
Testing positive
Anyone with COVID-19 will now have to self-isolate for seven days, down from ten previously.
Those between four and 39-years-of-age who test positive on an antigen test will no longer have to confirm the result with a PCR test.
The HSE website will be updated to allow people to upload a positive antigen test and close-contact details.
Their close contacts will then be sent antigen tests, according to the HSE.