The Health Minister says when countries move away from mandated Covid-19 isolation, it means more transmission.

The Government's keeping the seven day isolation requirement for people with Covid-19 for at least the next two months.

Cabinet's also asked for more work on whether testing to return to work for mild cases or asymptomatic people would be safe and effective.

Health Minister Ayesha Verrall says such a scheme can be used so if a person tests negative they'd be released earlier.

"Also in some places where they have this, you have to stay in isolation until you test negative, which may be longer than our current seven days."

Verrall says it depends on how the mandate is structured.

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