Aussie worker close contact changes: What it means for you

Scott Morrison has announced some major changes that affect which Australians go to work and when. See the full list.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a series of changes that affect workers in a range of industries as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 continues to cause havoc across the country.

WHAT HAS SCOTT MORRISON ANNOUNCED?

There has been a relaxation of restrictions for workers in critical industries who are close contacts.

WHY THE CHANGE?

The move will help with growing labour shortages, particularly in food and transport, that has seen supply chains under pressure and supermarket shelves stripped of products.

WHAT WORKERS ARE ABLE TO RETURN TO WORK DESPITE BEING A CLOSE CONTACT?

Transport and logistics, food supply, healthcare and support, emergency services, including law enforcement and correctional services, energy resources and water, waste management, childcare and teachers, telecommunications and media.

Empty shelves are becoming a common sight around Australia. Picture: Brendan Radke

WHAT DO THESE WORKERS HAVE TO DO?

If they don’t have Covid symptoms and return a negative rapid antigen test result, they can return to work before the seven day isolation period ends.

WHAT ABOUT CHILDCARE WORKERS?

They are included in the expanded list of sectors. Mr Morrison said childcare and schools were “essential” and should be “first to open and last to close”.

Queensland and South Australia – where the return of school has been delayed – children of essential workers will still be able to attend school.

“Face to face learning should be prioritised.”

ARE THERE ANY CHANGES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS?

Yes. International students would have the 40-hour-per-fortnight cap on how long they are allowed to work removed in affected sectors.

Bourke Street mall in the Melbourne CBD remains quiet despite no lockdown during an Omicron Covid outbreak in Victoria. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

WILL THE SCHOOL YEAR START AS NORMAL?

Mr Morrison said face-to-face learning should be prioritised and that closing schools would mean another five per cent of the workforce would be away.

HOW MANY WORKERS ARE EXPECTED TO GET SICK?

Treasury estimates up to 10 per cent of the workforce at the peak of the virus might be away from work.

WHEN CAN CONCESSION CARD HOLDERS GET FREE RAT TESTS?

From January 24 concession card holders will be able to obtain free rapid antigen tests [RATS] from pharmacies. People will able to access 10 tests in total over three months, with a maximum of five a month.

Originally published as Aussie worker close contact changes: What it means for you