'Optional' quarantine changes now in force

Changes are being made to the Island's quarantine policy from today.

Those undertaking a 14-day self-isolation can now request - at a cost of £50 - a COVID-19 test on the seventh day of their quarantine.

This will involve that person ringing the 111 hotline to book a test at the grandstand - once booked they must travel straight from their home to the testing facility at the TT Grandstand for their pre-scheduled appointment.

Should that test come back negative on the eighth day the person will be able to leave their home but will have robust restrictions on what they can do for the remaining six days of the 14-day period.

This will include not being able to go to public indoor venues such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, theatres, gyms, swimming pools and nursing homes.

That person will only be able to return to work from that eighth day if their employer says it's safe to do so and as long as it isn't in an industry that involves public interaction such as teachers, those in retail and receptionists.

If the test comes back positive, that person will have to self-isolate for a further two weeks from the eighth day.

Meanwhile, those who choose not to have the test on the seventh-day will still have to complete the full fortnight of self-isolation.

Details on the process and any requirements and restrictions that come with it are available on the government's COVID-19 website.