This note is not part of the regulations, but is intended to indicate their general effect.

These regulations amend the Health (Infectious and Notifiable Diseases) Regulations 1966 (the principal regulations). The amendments come into force on the day after notification in the Gazette.

The amendments add Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to the list of infectious diseases in Schedule 2 of the principal regulations.

The amendments specify the following (references are to the principal regulations):

• the period for which a person who has, or has had, the disease must not leave his or her home (see regulation 8):

• the period after which a person without a negative result from microbiological examination may leave his or her home with the permission of the medical officer of health under conditions to protect others from infection (see regulation 8):

• the period for which a child or teacher who has, or is suspected to have, the disease must not attend school (see regulation 14(1)):

• the period for which a child or teacher who has been exposed to infection with the disease must not attend school (see regulation 14(2)):

• the disease’s period of incubation for the purposes of the Health Act 1956 (see regulation 9).

The medical officer of health may permit earlier release from isolation or earlier attendance at school.