If You Think You Have COVID Make Sure To Isolate for 10-Day – According to Latest UK Scientific Evidence

• The self-isolation period for those who have or suspect that they have COVID-19 has been extended to 10 days
• Evidence suggests even those with mild symptoms remain infectious for 7 – 9 days after illness onset
• A new, continuous cough, fever and/or loss of smell or taste should be acted upon by self-isolating and seeking a test.

Starting today (30th of July) the self-isolation period has been extended to 10 days for those who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or a positive test result.

This decision was made in an attempt to avoid a resurgence of the virus in the UK, in light of new evidence that people with mild to moderate symptoms may continue to be infectious for longer than was originally thought.

Evidence, although still limited, has strengthened and shows that people with COVID-19 who are mildly ill and are recovering have a low but real possibility of infectiousness between 7 and 9 days after illness onset.

Statement from the UK Chief Medical Officers on extension of self-isolation period: 30 July 2020. (2020). Retrieved 30 July 2020, from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-from-the-uk-chief-medical-officers-on-extension-of-self-isolation-period-30-july-2020

According to the NHS, here are the three main symptoms of coronavirus that you should be aware of and ready to act upon:

• A new, continuous cough – coughing a lot for more than an hour, or experiencing three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
• A fever – having a temperature above 37.8C
• Experiencing a loss of smell or taste