No need for fully-vaccinated to self-isolate in Wales if identified as ‘close contact’

The First Minister of Wales has announced that all adults who have been fully-vaccinated will no longer have to self-isolate if they are identified as close contacts of someone with coronavirus from 7th August.

The changes to the NHS Wales Test Trace Protect (TTP) service for fully-vaccinated adults will come into effect on 7^th August.

Children and young people under 18 will also be exempt from the need to self-isolate if they are also identified as close contacts of a positive case. However, everyone who tests positive for coronavirus or has symptoms must continue to isolate for 10 days, whether they have been vaccinated or not.

Contact tracers and advisers will provide people with advice and guidance about how to protect themselves and stay safe if they have been identified as close contacts.

Everyone identified as a contact of a positive case will continue to be advised to have a PCR test on day two and day eight, whether they are fully vaccinated or not.

Almost 80% of adults in Wales have been fully vaccinated.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said:

“Self-isolation on symptoms or a positive test result continues to be a powerful measure in helping to break the chains of transmission and stop the spread of the virus. It is important we retain this, even for people who have been fully vaccinated.

“But we know a full course of the vaccine offers people protection against the virus and they are far less likely to contract it when they are identified as close contacts. This means they no longer need to self-isolate for 10 days.

“We can remove the need for self-isolation for the two million adults who have completed their vaccine course, helping to keep Wales safe and working.”

For the latest guidance for Wales, visit the government website.