Isolation rules are being changed in a new approach to the coronavirus crisis it was announced at a government press briefing this evening (Monday).

From one minute past midnight on Wednesday, December 22, a positive lateral flow test (LFT) will require an individual to self-isolate for 10 days. That individual is no longer required to have a follow-up PCR test, only if they request to do so.

This period of self-isolation can be ended early by recording two negative LFT tests a minimum of 24 hours apart.

This new approach only applies to on-island cases, and will not affect the current rules around travel which are in place - both with regards to the Common Travel Area and international travel - and hospital screening.

The government stressed this new approach is reliant on trust, as has been the case in the past with regards to people coming forward for a PCR test following a positive LFT.

Full story in this week’s special combined edition of the Examiner and Manx Independent, which is on sale tomorrow morning.