Isolation rules are being changed in a new approach to the coronavirus crisis announced by the government last night.

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.

Previously, a positive LFT would mean a PCR test had to be booked to confirm the result. However from now on, a positive LFT will be enough to trigger the isolation period.

People who wish to get a PCR test to confirm will still be able to do so.

The positive LFT result must be recorded online.

An email will then be sent explaining the isolation requirements and providing guidance previously received through a Direction Notice.

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

Both negative test results must also be officially recorded via the online method before someone will be free from self-isolation.

The new approach will also apply to those who do get their Covid status confirmed by a PCR test.

Once they are isolating, if they return two negative LFTs, they can also leave isolation.

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.

Mr Cannan said: ’The new approach recognises the need to minimise the impact on our society, economy and critical services - particularly our hospital - from significant levels of isolation, while maximising our ability to provide care and support for those who most need it.

’This change is designed to harness the testing capability across our community and capitalise on the reliability and availability of home testing kits.

’A move to include LFTs as well as PCR tests recognises the huge amount of public support for voluntary self-testing that has identified the vast majority of Covid cases over recent months.’

He added: ’Self-management also brings obvious benefits around the possibility of ending self-isolation earlier than 10 days, once the risk of transmission has been removed. It’s vital that asymptomatic cases are picked up and I urge everyone to keep a good stock of LFTs to ensure you, your family, and those around you are testing regularly.

’By making this change, government is stepping out of your lives and empowering every member of our society to help keep the island moving.’

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.

The changes have been introduced as cases of the Covid-19 Omicron variant are rising steadily in the island.

By late last week, more than 60 had been identified, and the latest figures indicate there are now 126.

Overall, there are 610 active cases of coronavirus in the island.

Mr Cannan said: ’We already know from evidence elsewhere that Omicron is extremely transmissible - so our growing number of cases is not unexpected at all.

’The aim of today’s briefing is to raise awareness of the risks - not tighten rules. It’s about emphasising how individual actions over the coming days and weeks must be carefully considered and in the best interests of our community.’

Going forward, close contacts of all cases will be treated identically, and will be asked to be vigilant by self-testing for seven days.

Those close contacts currently adhering to rules specific to the Omicron variant will be contacted by 111 and released from self-isolation, and asked to undertake an LFD prior to leaving.

Mr Cannan said: ’Contact tracing will be based on self-declarations in most cases and we will ask those who log a positive test to get in touch with people who may need to take extra precautions.

’The work of the government’s contact tracing team will focus largely on cases that include complex and high-risk settings.’

Mr Cannan did not announce any lockdown measures or further restrictions.