The Northern Ireland Executive have announced that people in Northern Ireland who receive a positive lateral flow test no longer need to complete a follow up PCR test to confirm their result.
This decision comes following England’s announcement earlier today, (5th January)
The Department of Health have announced that anybody with a positive lateral flow result should self-isolate with immediate effect.
Currently, the isolation period required in Northern Ireland lasts seven days, with a negative lateral flow test required on day six and seven. With the advice that people should continue to isolate until two negative later flow results are received twenty-four hours apart. Or, if they have completed 10 full days of isolation. With preference to whichever option comes earlier.
The Department of Health have emphasised that the removal of a follow-up PCR test confirmation is a “temporary measure” in response to the high rates of COVID-19 throughout Northern Ireland.
