The NSW Government has further eased COVID-19 public health orders with close contacts no longer required to isolate at home for seven days.
The change comes after the government received pressure from businesses to remove the close contact rule due to the hospitality and retail sectors struggling with staffing issues and reduced trading.
Additionally, NSW Chief Health Officer, Kerry Chant, said it was now an appropriate time to further ease restrictions due to the state passing the BA.2 Omicron sub-variant peak.
NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, said the lifting of isolation rules for close contacts were common-sense changes, helping the state and communities move away from the pandemic.
“These isolation rules have been necessary, but thanks to our strong vaccination rates, we can make the changes,” he said.
“This will provide immediate relief for so many workforces and businesses who have been hit hard by labour shortages as people are forced to isolate because they are a household contact.
“As the pandemic has evolved, so has our response, and this is another example where we have been able to make necessary changes safely and in a measured way.”
The new rules apply to both household contacts and those deemed as a close contact by the NSW Government, and while the isolation period is being ditched, there are still some remaining requirements.
From 6 pm on April 22, close contacts with no symptoms will not have to isolate as long as they:
- Wear a face mask indoors outside of the home.
- Undertake daily rapid tests.
- Work from home where possible.
- Avoid contact with elderly or immunocompromised people.
- Notify their employer or education facility of their close contact status.
There are no changes for positive cases, and the seven-day isolation requirement remains for anyone who has recorded a positive result.
A significant change will also see vaccine mandates removed for key workers and will instead be based on a risk assessment under occupational health and safety—the mandate will remain in place for aged care and disability workers.
From April 30, hotel quarantine will no longer be required for unvaccinated returning international travellers, and public transport capacity caps will be lifted.
Masks will still be required on public transport, planes, cruise terminals and healthcare facilities.
Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, said individuals still needed to exercise caution to protect vulnerable community members.
“We are still in a pandemic, and the basic rules of hand hygiene, wearing a mask when you cannot socially distance and staying at home if you have symptoms still apply,” Hazzard said.
“Most importantly, if you still have symptoms, you should not visit an aged care facility, hospital or an elderly relative.”
Hayley McMahon