- New Guidance issued 31/12/2021
- Covid Vaccination update
- New Guidance
Community testing of those with symptoms of COVID-19
Because of the large numbers of tests that are needed right now, we have changed the rules that have been in place on testing.
- if you are aged between 4 and 39 and have symptoms of COVID-19 then you should self-isolate immediately. You should take regular antigen tests instead of booking a PCR test. If you have a positive antigen test – then you should book a PCR test to confirm. If you have repeated ‘not detected’ antigen tests you should still self-isolate for 48 hours after your symptoms have gone.
- if you are a healthcare worker then you should still book a PCR test as soon as you show any symptoms of COVID-19
- if you have an underlying condition which puts you at higher risk of severe disease (or if you have a clinical concern) then you should contact your GP
- if you are over 40 years old you should seek a PCR test as soon as you display symptoms of COVID-19
- children aged 3 or under should be booked for a PCR test as soon as they display symptoms of COVID-19
Isolation period for those diagnosed with COVID-19
If you have not received your ‘booster’ (or have received both does of Astra-Zeneca, Pfizer or Moderna or the single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine and have had a recent confirmed infection) then you still need to self-isolate for 10 days.
If you have received your ‘booster’ (or have received both does of Astra-Zeneca, Pfizer or Moderna or the single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine and have had a recent confirmed infection) then new rules apply to you.
If it is more than 7 days since your booster vaccination and you are aged 13 or over, then you need to self-isolate for a minimum of 7 days since you first had symptoms.
If you didn’t have symptoms then you should self-isolate for 7 days after your positive test. You can only stop self-isolating after 7 days if your symptoms have gone for the final 2 days of the 7.
If you are exiting isolation after 7 days, then you should still be very careful.
You should:
- limit your contact with other people outside their household, especially in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces
- wear a face mask in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces and where you are in close contact with other people
- take an antigen test before entering crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces and prior to having close contact with other people from outside your household
- avoid contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19
- work from home unless it is essential to attend in person
- adhere to all other basic public health protective measures
2. Covid Vaccination Update
We are taking bookings for a covid vaccination clinic this Thursday, January 6th. This clinic is open to any patient over 16 years of age who is eligible for a booster, or to any patient over 16 years who needs their first vaccine. Please contact reception on 046 9555 006 to make an appointment.
Please note, vaccinations for children are only being done in mass vaccination centres currently: we are not receiving any deliveries of paediatric doses of covid 19 vaccinations.
Dr Cliona Lewis 04/01/2022
