The self-isolation period for people who test positive for covid-19 or begin to exhibit symptoms is being extended from seven days to ten, the UK’s chief medical officers have announced.

In a joint statement the four advisors say there is a “low but real possibility” of infecting others between seven and nine days after someone contracts the virus.

It brings the UK closer to World Health Organization advice that states people with symptoms should self-quarantine for 14 days.

Since the start of the pandemic individuals have been told to shut themselves for a week if they catch the virus.

This involves not leaving home and avoiding contact with people they live with as much as possible.

Those they have been in contact with have to self-isolate for 14 days, with the time limit restarting if they develop symptoms themselves.

A statement from the UK’s four chief medical officers says: “In symptomatic people covid-19 is most infectious just before, and for the first few days after symptoms begin. It is very important people with symptoms self-isolate and get a test, which will allow contact tracing.

“Evidence, although still limited, has strengthened and shows that people with covid who are mildly ill and are recovering have a low but real possibility of infectiousness between seven and nine days after illness onset.

“We have considered how best to target interventions to reduce risk to the general population and consider that at this point in the epidemic, with widespread and rapid testing available and considering the relaxation of other measures, it is now the correct balance of risk to extend the self-isolation period from seven to ten days for those in the community who have symptoms or a positive test result.

“This 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.”

Sign up to our bulletin sent twice a week so you don’t miss out on the latest health and social care news, jobs and events.