Covid NSW: Isolation period for close contacts to be halved at vaccine milestone

Vaccinated close contacts of a confirmed Covid case will have their isolation period significantly shortened from next week.

The isolation period for close contacts of a Covid-19 case will be halved to just seven days for people who are fully vaccinated and return a negative test.

The threshold at which someone is considered a close contact will also be increased.

From next week, fully vaccinated close contacts of a Covid-19 case will be able to leave self-isolation after a week if they test negative for the virus on day six. They will be banned from certain settings including hospitality venues for another seven days.

Bunnings customers check in using the Randwick store’s QR code. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

The shortened isolation requirement is one of several “significant changes” Health Minister Brad Hazzard has announced will come into effect on October 11, the Monday after the state is expected to reach 70 per cent double dose vaccination.

Unvaccinated people will still be required to isolate for the full 14-days.

As the state reopens, the Service NSW QR code check-in system will be used to notify people if they have been to a venue where a positive Covid-19 case attended.

These people will be asked to monitor for symptoms and get a Covid-19 test if they become unwell.

Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19, regardless of their vaccination status, should still get tested and self-isolate until a negative result.

If a person tests positive, they must isolate for 14 days, even if vaccinated.

Close contacts of a positive case will include any household members, and others in close proximity such as friends, partners and colleagues.

Health may also designate people as close contacts where outbreaks occur in “high risk” settings like healthcare, aged care and child care centres.

Fully vaccinated people and those with exemptions over the age of 16 will be allowed to enter some venues, including hospitality, non-critical retail, personal services, sporting, recreation and entertainment facilities and events.

Critical retail such as supermarkets and pharmacies will still be accessible to those not fully vaccinated.

Businesses must inform NSW Health if three or more employees test positive for Covid-19 in a seven-day period.

Guidelines will be provided to businesses to assess risk if a workplace is exposed to Covid-19.

They will also be responsible for taking “reasonable measures” to stop unvaccinated people entering premises, such as using the QR code check ins and checking vaccination certificates.

Authorised officers will monitor businesses reopening, particularly those that have vaccination requirements like hospitality, retail, gyms, hair and beauty salons.

On the spot fines of $1,000 may apply to individuals for not complying, or for using fraudulent evidence of vaccination or check-in.

Meanwhile business could be hit with a $5,000 fine for not complying with the Public Health Order vaccination requirements.