The increase from seven days brings the UK in line with guidance issued by the World Health Organization.
Anyone who has symptoms of Covid-19 – a fever, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – should immediately self isolate for 10 days and book a test by visiting GOV.UK or by calling 119 as soon as possible.
People can also attend a pop-up walk through test centre, without the need for an appointment, which is operating at Graiseley Strengthening Families Hub, Pool Street, today (Thursday) until 10am to 4pm, tomorrow (Friday) from 12pm to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
The change in guidance has been recommended by the UK's four Chief Medical Officers based on new evidence that people with mild to moderate symptoms may still be infectious days after the onset of the virus.
People are most infectious before symptoms begin displaying and during the first few days of the illness. But scientists say there is a possibility some people may still transmit the virus for up to nine days after they become unwell.
In a statement, the 4 Chief Medical Officers said the change in guidance “will help provide additional protection to others in the community. This is particularly important to protect those who have been shielding and in advance of the autumn and winter when we may see increased community transmission.”
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "The message is clear – if you have symptoms of Covid-19, no matter how mild, you must immediately self isolate for at least 10 days. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital, but instead, book a test as soon as you possibly can."
All other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days from the point that the first member of the household develops symptoms. Staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection that people in the household could pass on to others in the community.
For the latest guidance, please visit GOV.UK.
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS at Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit Stay Safe, Be Kind.
