Covid isolation period to be reduced, Taoiseach says

The current isolation period is 7 days.

The covid isolation period is set to be reduced, according to An Taoiseach. Micheál Martin said the Government is considering reducing the number of days people have to isolate for. However, there are concerns about cutting the isolation period after a spike in cases since St. Patrick's Day. Many medical experts have expressed their fears about what rising cases may do to the healthcare system, which is already facing extreme pressure. But the Government is hoping to lower the isolation period so people can return to work. According to reports by The Irish Independent, we could see a reduction in the 7 day isolation period. It is believed employers are concerned about staff shortages amid the current Covid-19 wave. Currently, those who test positive for Covid-19 are asked to isolate for 7 days. They can leave isolation after a week once they have been symptom-free for 48 hours. The news comes after Professor Luke O'Neill called for more people to wear masks. He shared that he was stunned to see so few people wearing masks on the Dart this week. He said, "My heart sank when I saw so many not wearing masks.” Professor O'Neill said we need to try to help reduce the pressure our healthcare workers are now facing. Multiple hospitals are experiencing spikes in Covid-19 cases. They have also been forced to cancel surgeries due to mounting pressure.

Professor O'Neill said the current strain of Covid-19 is far more infectious than previous strains.

He told RTÉ's Claire Byrne, "This BA.2 there’s nothing like it, it’s 30% more infectious than Omicron, which is already 70% more infectious than the previous one." Do you think the Covid-19 isolation period should be reduced?