Positive covid cases in Guernsey are now only being asked to isolate for six days, while children can return to school after just four days following further relaxations of the island's restrictions.

The changes will come into effect on Sunday 1st May.

Those who test positive are still being asked to stay at home, but can now get out on day six if they are asymptomatic. However, it is recommended that they continue wearing a face mask in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces until day ten. The changes will also allow positive cases unlimited outdoor exercise throughout their isolation.

People with covid are no longer being asked to LFT before their release as long as they have no symptoms.

Those under 18 with covid can go out on day four if they are asymptomatic without taking an LFT. Public Health says there is evidence to suggest that children have the illness for a shorter period and the risk of passing the infection on after this time is low, as long as they feel well and don't have a high temperature.

Lateral flow tests will continue to be available for islanders to pick up for free. However, people are now only being asked to test if they are symptomatic or visiting a hospital or care home. Healthcare workers are also being asked to test if they are a household contact of a positive case.

PCR testing will still only be available in certain situations, such as when people are admitted into hospital, prison or care homes. Pre-travel PCRs will continue to be on offer at GP surgeries.

"Reported case numbers have continued to come down since our last wave and hospital admission remain very low, so it is right for us all to continue moving forwards with a reduction of measures," explained Medical Officer of Health, Dr Nicola Brink. "We will continue to keep our guidance under review and provide further updates, with the further scaling back of mitigations, as appropriate.

"Vaccination remains the best way to protect us all from severe disease and hospitalisation. I would really encourage all eligible people who have not yet come forward for their primary or booster dose of vaccine to do so straight away - the Bailiwick's vaccine programme is there to help and the sooner you are vaccinated the sooner you will be protected.