Covid NT: Close contact isolation rules scrapped

Close contacts who have received three doses of the Covid-19 vaccines will no longer have to isolate as the Territory changes its definition of “fully vaccinated”.

Close contacts who are triple vaccinated will no longer have to isolate.

Health Minister Natasha Fyles said the rules were changed due to the high rates of vaccination in the Territory.

“We are removing the requirment for people who are deemed a close contact to isolate if they are triple vaccinated,” she said.

“You can continue to go about life but there are some measures we need you to put them in place.”

The new rules will require close contacts to undertake a rapid antigen test within the first three days of becoming a close contact.

They will then need to take another test on day six.

When leaving home, all close contacts will need to wear a mask both indoors and outside if they’re unable to social distance, for seven days.

Close contacts are also advised to avoid high risk settings including hospitals, prisons and large events.

For unvaxxed people, self-isolation rules remain in place but have been reduced from 14 days to seven days.

The definition of a fully vaccinated person in the NT has also been changed to require Territorians to have all three doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
At this stage, there is no plan to mandate the fourth dose.

FRIDAY: NEW Territory Covid-19 case numbers remain over 500 as active infections and hospitalisations continue to rise.

The NT recorded 543 new cases, with 477 positive results coming from a positive Rapid Antigen Test.

There were 396 cases recorded in the Top End region, 55 in Central Australia, nine in East Arnhem, 17 in the Big Rivers region and seven in the Barkly region.

A further 59 cases are under investigation.

There are currently 46 people in hospital, with eight patients requiring oxygen and one person in ICU.

The number of active cases in the NT is 3254.

THURSDAY: AN IT glitch has resulted in a thousands of Territorians receiving texts about outdated Covid test results.

Minister Health Natasha Fyles revealed a system error sent out 8000 messages, including one to herself, with results from tests backdated months ago.

“Mine was from a test back in August last year, so we apologise to Territorians and we believe we’ve rectified the issue,” Ms Fyles said.

“If you did get a text message saying you’re positive and you haven’t had a recent test, please look at that date.”

Ms Fyles also said the Government are “looking at” changes to Covid guidelines, as the focus remains on getting the population vaccinated.

It comes as 655 positive cases were recorded in the last reporting period and one further death was recorded.

49 people are currently in hospital, eight people are requiring oxygen and one person is in ICU.

64 per cent of the Territory have now received their booster shot.

Ms Fyles said the government would be considering changes to CHO directions as other states ditch the close contact rules.

“We’ve seen a number of jurisdictions change their measures — I’m not announcing any changes today,” she said.

“We’ll continue to look at that and see if we can make any adjustments,” she said.

WEDNESDAY: A DARWIN woman has become the latest Territory Covid casualty, as new case numbers steadily increase.

The woman in her 90s had underlying health conditions and passed away at an aged case facility in the Darwin area.

The total number of Covid related deaths recorded in the NT since the start of the pandemic is now 38.

There were 594 new cases recorded in the NT, 529 of the new positive results being from a Rapid Antigen Test.

There were 440 cases recorded in the Top End region, 59 in Central Australia, 12 in East Arnhem, 13 in the Big Rivers region and 12 in the Barkly region.

There are also 58 cases still under investigation.

There are currently 44 Covid patients in Territory hospitals, with seven people requiring oxygen and two patients in ICU.

The number of active cases in the NT is 3050.

MONDAY: A DARWIN man has become the 37th Covid casualty in the Territory.

The man was aged in his 70s and had underlying health conditions when he passed away at Royal Darwin Hospital with Covid.

The Territory has recorded 386 new cases in the last reporting period, with 3031 active cases isolating in the community.

30 people are in hospital, with six patients requiring oxygen and two patients in the ICU.

Of the cases recorded, 337 were from Rapid Antigen Tests.

There were 267 cases from the Top End region, 37 in Central Australia, 11 in East Arnhem, seven in the Big Rivers region, five in the Barkly region and 59 remain under investigation.

NT Health are reminding Territorians to get their third Covid vaccination if they haven’t already, as a fourth dose becomes available for a specific group of people.

“Three doses of the vaccine significantly reduces your risk of getting really sick from Covid and will help to protect you against any future strains of the virus,” a statement read.

Originally published as Covid NT: Close contact isolation rules scrapped