Relaxing isolation requirements for household contacts of COVID-19 positive cases will be the next step in living with the virus, according to Health Minister Greg Hunt.
As first reported by Nine newspapers, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) is considering recommending close contacts no longer be required to isolate for seven days.
It follows the national cabinet's recent expansion of which workers should be exempt from isolation rules, allowing thousands more people to return to work if they are a close contact.
The changes were aimed at easing the pressure on workforces and supply chains which have been under increased pressure as rising infections quarantined an increasing number of people.
Speaking in Melbourne on Tuesday, Mr Hunt said he supported relaxing those rules even further.
"The next step on the return to normal is to consider expanding that definition through the work of the AHPPC," he said.
"It has worked well with our nurses; it has worked well with those in critical sectors to ensure that there's adequate workforce.
"So there is that capacity. And I know that New South Wales and Victoria, with the Commonwealth's support, are leading that work and I strongly support that direction."
Expert group to boost childhood vaccination rates
A group of health experts from the Commonwealth, states and public health sector will also meet to discuss lifting Australia's COVID-19 vaccination rates for five to 11-year-olds.
The roundtable talks will be led by vaccine uptake expert Julie Leask, with less than 50 per cent of children having received one dose since vaccinations became available for the age group in January.
Vaccine supply issues initially hindered the rollout among children, with many parents left scrambling to find appointments or complaining of widespread cancellations.
Mr Hunt argued that Australia's vaccination rate for 5-11-year-olds was higher than comparable countries like the US and Israel, but said the group of experts will look at how they can lift that rate further.
"I've asked Professor Julie Leask to lead a roundtable with the Commonwealth, the states, and the community on what can be done specifically to lift that vaccination rate further," he said.
"One of the primary topics is in-school vaccination. We're encouraging all of the states to conduct extensive, comprehensive in-school vaccination programs."
"And whilst there are thousands of points of presence around Australia, actually taking it to the parents and taking it to the children through the schools is one of the critical steps forward."
