High risk contacts of monkeypox cases will be asked to self-isolate and avoid contact with children under-12 for three weeks.
The number of confirmed cases in the UK – currently 20 – is expected to rise on Monday with the release of updated figures for the weekend.
Dr Susan Hopkins, the chief medical adviser for the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said on Sunday authorities were detecting more cases "on a daily basis".
People who have had direct unprotected contact with a case will be advised to self-isolate for 21 days, including from the workplace, according to UKHSA guidance for contact tracing monkeypox.
The guidance also states contacts should “avoid contact with immunosuppressed people, pregnant women, and children aged under 12 where possible”. Contacts will also receive daily communication from authorities.
Individuals considered “high risk contacts” will be offered the MVA-BN smallpox vaccine, which has historically been shown to be protective against monkeypox.
