AQW 21718/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health whether he plans to introduce a Test and Release scheme for COVID-19 cases.
Asked by Andrew Muir MLA on 8 July 2021
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 8 July 2021
- Answer due by
- 27 July 2021
- Answered
- 19 August 202142 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The test to release scheme is a voluntary UK Government initiative in England whereby those who arrive from an amber list country can choose to pay for a private COVID-19 test on day 5, and end their period of 10 day self-isolation early if the test is negative.
There are no plans at present to introduce such a scheme in Northern Ireland as the evidence supports a full 10 day isolation period. The recent introduction of travel restrictions relaxations for those who have been fully vaccinated in the UK, EU or USA removes the requirement to self-isolate on arrival from amber list countries, which will undoubtedly assist travellers to NI.