If you test positive for coronavirus or show symptoms you must now isolate for 10 days the government revealed on Thursday.

The period of self-isolation has risen from seven to 10 days for anyone in the country displaying symptoms of coronavirus or has had a positive Covid-19 test result, the government announced.

Health experts insist the change occurred because there's a small chance people who test positive could still be contagious and spread the disease well beyond seven days from when symptoms start to appear.

The change in regulations comes after the initial seven day period was shorter than the advice handed down by the World Health Organisation.

However, Hitchinites on their holidays travelling home from countries on the quarantine list must still isolate for 14 days.

While a large number of independent businesses in our town have now re-opened – or are planning to soon – as lockdown eases and people attempt to return to normality, it is important to stay vigilant against Covid.

PM Boris Johnson has also urged caution after statistics showed England has had the highest number of deaths in Europe related to coronavirus.

Despite local lockdowns implemented in other areas of the country the transmission rate in Hitchin is understood to be low.