NSW reduces close contact isolation period to seven days for fully vaccinated people

One state has announced a significant change to self-isolation requirements for fully vaccinated people from October 11.

Fully vaccinated people in NSW who are close contacts of a positive case will only have to self-isolate for seven days, down from 14, in just over a week’s time.

NSW Health officials on Sunday announced the rule change, which will kick in after 70 per cent of the population are immunised.

From October 11 any fully vaccinated person who is a close contact must get tested and self-isolate for seven days, getting tested again on the sixth day.

If the second test comes back negative, the person can then end isolation. If the person tests positive for Covid-19, they will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination status.

“We know most cases will occur in the full first seven-day period,” NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said.

“If (an isolated person) remains well after seven days, after a day seven test and day six test, they have very little chance of becoming infectious afterwards.

“As a precaution, we ask those individuals not to (go into) a hospitality (venue), and to work from home where practical for the rest of the seven days.”

Close contacts of a positive case will need to isolate for seven days from October 11 if they are fully vaccinated. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

NSW is nearing 90 per cent of its eligible population having received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, the figure currently sitting at 88.12 per cent.

There are 66.5 per cent of eligible people in the state who are fully vaccinated and the state is expected to reach 70 per cent in the coming days, which will trigger the easing of a number of restrictions.

When that goal is reached, the government’s plan states pubs, retail stores and gyms will be able to re-open, but only for the fully vaccinated.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard confirmed the onus will be on businesses to ensure customers prove their vaccination status while NSW is only open to the immunised.

Some business owners, including high-profile chefs and restaurant owners such as Neil Perry, raised concerns about whether the burden of turning away unvaccinated customers should fall on them rather than the government.

Minister Customer Service Victor Dominello pictured showing how the vaccine passport looks on a check in app (example test screen pictured). Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

“Businesses will be responsible for taking reasonable measures to stop unvaccinated people entering premises,” a statement from Mr Hazzard read.

“For example, having prominent signs stating requirements, Service NSW QR codes, staff checking vaccination status upon entry and only accepting valid forms of evidence of vaccination.

“Authorised officers will monitor businesses reopening, particularly those that have vaccination requirements, for example hospitality, retail, gyms, and personal services (eg hair, beauty).

“Penalties may apply for individuals and businesses who don’t comply.”

Individuals who flout the rules or are pinged using fake vaccination certificates or check-in screens face on-the-spot fines of $1000.

Businesses that fail to comply with the requirements face fines of $5000.

Originally published as NSW reduces close contact isolation period to seven days for fully vaccinated people