(Adds quotes)
LONDON, July 30 (Reuters) - Anyone who tests positive or
shows symptoms of COVID-19 in Britain will have to self-isolate
for 10 days instead of the previous seven, based on a low but
tangible possibility that people could remain infectious for
longer.
"In symptomatic people COVID-19 is most infectious just
before, and for the first few days after symptoms begin," the UK
chief medical officers said in a statement on Thursday.
"Evidence, although still limited, has strengthened and
shows that people with COVID-19 who are mildly ill and are
recovering have a low but real possibility of infectiousness
between 7 and 9 days after illness onset."
The government said the change in the rule would come into
force immediately.
(Reporting by Paul Sandle; editing by Kate Holton and Estelle
Shirbon)