New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. But they have decided to ease the rules.
Mr Perrottet said close contacts of COVID-19 cases are no longer required to isolate for seven days from 6 pm on Friday, 22 April.
They need to undertake daily rapid antigen tests before coming into contact with anyone other than their household. However, they can't visit aged care, hospitals, disability and correctional facilities unless a special exemption applies.
Close contacts must wear a face mask in indoor settings outside their homes. If tested positive on RAT or PCR, they must isolate for seven days. They need to comply with the guidelines for seven days from the time a person in their household tested positive for COVID-19.
Close contacts have been advised to work from home. They need to notify their employer or educational facility that they are a close contact, and they are not required to isolate as long as they comply with the guidelines.
From 30 April 2022, unvaccinated travellers are no longer required to undertake a mandatory hotel quarantine. Instead, they need to do a RAT within 24 hours of their arrival.
Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said the current Omicron wave has started to subside in the state. He said they have decided to ease health measures based on the high vaccination rate.
From 11.59 pm Friday, 22 April, Victorians won't be required to have two doses or show their vaccination status before entering any venue. Other changes include:
- Masks won't be compulsory in primary schools, early childhood, hospitality and retail settings.
- Close contacts of COVID-19 cases will no longer have to quarantine, provided they wear a mask indoors and avoid sensitive settings. However, they must carry out at least five negative RAT over the seven days that they would have otherwise been isolating.
- People will be exempt from testing or quarantine for 12 weeks if they've had COVID-19. Earlier this time frame was eight weeks.
- Individuals need to notify their workplace contacts and their social contacts.
- Workplaces won't have to identify and notify each potentially exposed worker.
- Unvaccinated travellers will no longer complete seven days’ quarantine.
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