AQW 21718/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 08/07/2021
Answered On Date: 19/08/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether he plans to introduce a Test and Release scheme for COVID-19 cases.

Answer:

The test to release scheme is a voluntary UK Government initiative in England whereby those who arrive from an amber list country can choose to pay for a private COVID-19 test on day 5, and end their period of 10 day self-isolation early if the test is negative.

There are no plans at present to introduce such a scheme in Northern Ireland as the evidence supports a full 10 day isolation period. The recent introduction of travel restrictions relaxations for those who have been fully vaccinated in the UK, EU or USA removes the requirement to self-isolate on arrival from amber list countries, which will undoubtedly assist travellers to NI.