Health workers to self-isolate on return to UK

The government has confirmed that registered health and care professionals travelling to the UK from high-risk countries will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

The move brings them in line with the general public and further protects the NHS and social care system from the spread of coronavirus from overseas, as signs of second waves begin to show in other countries. From 31 July, an exemption has been removed to minimise the risk of onward chains of transmission that might infect the wider workforce.

An exemption was originally put in place, at the beginning of June, which meant registered health and care professionals did not have to self-isolate when travelling to England from overseas to help strengthen the country’s response to the coronavirus outbreak and save lives.

However, following the reopening of travel routes, and as more people begin to holiday abroad, the government has removed this exemption and, from 31 July, all registered health and care professionals must lawfully self-isolate when returning to England from a high-risk country.

Health and care professionals returning from a country which has a travel corridor to the UK will not be required to self-isolate on return.