Close contacts of COVID cases in Tasmania will soon no longer be required to isolate.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced that from Monday, May 2, those deemed close contacts of cases would "no longer need to quarantine for seven days".
"Those with symptoms will still need to isolate, close contacts must take daily rapid antigen tests, wear a mask indoors, tell their workplace and avoid high-risk premises," he said.
Mr Rockliff said the changes "follow [health] advice and follow Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland".
"I would ask people to be mindful that COVID continues to circulate and it is up to all of us to follow hygiene procedures," he said.
Close contact requirements in Tasmania |
Now |
As of May 2 |
|---|---|---|
After being notified you are a close contact you must isolate for 7 days |
Yes |
No, as long as you have no symptoms |
Take a RAT or PCR test on day 1 and day 6 following notification |
Yes |
RAT must be taken everyday for 7 days |
Notify the government if you register a positive RAT |
Yes |
Yes |
Able to leave quarantine after a negative RAT or PCR test |
Yes |
n/a |
More information about the current rules for close contacts can be found on the Tasmanian government website.
Rockliff: I'm sure people will welcome this
Mr Rockliff said he was "aware of public commentary" over the impact of close contact isolation requirements on businesses and "people's lives".
But he said the government had not "bowed to pressure" to jettison the close contact isolation rules.
"No, it's important that we follow advice. I'm aware of public commentary, but Tasmania has been in lock-step with public health advice," he said.
"I'm sure people will welcome this decision. I expect it will be a positive difference.
"No-one likes disruptions. They've been important to ensure that Tasmanians are safe, but it's important to limit disruption.
Check-in for large events dumped
Public Health director Mark Veitch said authorities had noted "case numbers have been trending down".
"We're still seeing older people contract the disease, and this is concerning. It hasn't gone away. If you're an older person, it's certainly not too late to get the vaccination."
It was also announced that the government would do away with the requirement for people to officially check in at some hospitality venues and large events — such as Salamanca markets — although the requirement would remain in place in health and aged care settings.
Businesses can choose to keep the check-in requirement in place if they wish.
Dr Veitch said authorities "understand the impact [close contact isolation requirements] are having on workplaces".
He said the change in rules would see a "net benefit for people who are willing to return to work, be able to go to the supermarket, [and] watch kids play football from the boundary".
Dr Veitch acknowledged "all states will be looking for a kick-up in cases after changes to rules", but doubted there would be a big spike.
More information on the current state of measures can be found on the Tasmanian government's coronavirus website.
