MADRID, Dec 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Spain reduced the isolation period for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 to seven days from 10, the health ministry said, even as new infections hit record highs.
The Spanish decision, taken unanimously at a meeting between Health Minister Carolina Darias and regional health chiefs, follows similar moves by other countries such as the United States and Britain.
A lack of staff due to long isolation times has caused disruptions to some industries even though many of those who test positive are asymptomatic.
The ministry also reduced the mandatory quarantine for close contacts of people who have tested positive to seven days. Separately, Darias said the number of people allowed to attend sporting events would also be slashed.
The national 14-day infection rate hit a new record of 1,360 cases per 100,000 people on Tuesday, rising from 1,206 cases the previous day and marking a five-fold increase since the beginning of December.
ROME: Italy scrapped self-isolation rules for those coming into contact with someone testing positive for coronavirus providing they have had a booster shot, have recently recovered or been vaccinated.
The move comes after health experts urged the government to rethink its policies amid worries that the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant could paralyse the country by forcing millions to stay at home.
Under the Italian measures, isolation will no longer be required for those who had a positive contact but have had a booster dose, have been vaccinated or have recovered from the illness within the last 120 days, a Cabinet statement said.
They will have to wear a more protective Ffp2 (equivalent to KN95 or N95 in other regions) mask for 10 days and, only if they have symptoms, take a test within five days since the contact with the positive person.
The government further tightened the restrictions on the unvaccinated.
From Jan 10 more activities – including open-air restaurants, hotels and ski lifts – will be open only to the vaccinated and those who recently recovered from the disease. The same rules will be valid for public transport.
Daily coronavirus cases have soared in Italy this week, peaking at a record 98,030 on Wednesday, with the number of hospitalised patients rising.
Rules for the holiday period had already been tightened. Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s administration banned concerts and open-air events, shutting down discos until Jan 31.
Italy has also imposed restrictions on travellers, including those from inside the European Union who now need to take a coronavirus test before departure.
The Italian vaccination campaign has proved effective with almost 80 per cent completing an initial vaccine cycle and around 30 per cent receiving a third shot. — NNN-AGENCIES
