Doctor hints at major Covid rule change

One of the nation’s top doctors has hinted a major Covid rule change could be just around the corner.

An end to seven-day quarantine for those who contract Covid-19 could be on the horizon, the former deputy chief medical officer has said. Picture Gary Ramage

An end to seven-day quarantine for those who contract Covid-19 could be on the horizon, the former deputy chief medical officer has said.

Under the current rules, individuals who contract the virus and their close contacts are required to complete a week of isolation.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson last month declared all restrictions designed to curb the spread of Covid, including quarantine requirements, would be scrapped.

In the US, those who test positive for the virus only have to quarantine for five days, followed by a further five days of mask hearing if symptomatic.

Dr. Nick Coatsworth said the experts would be looking closely at rule changes. Picture Gary Ramage

Dr Nick Coatsworth, the former deputy chief medical officer, on Thursday suggested changes could be coming in Australia within months.

“I think a lot of countries are moving towards that. Australia won’t be far behind,” he told the Today Show.

“It is something that I’m sure the Chief Health Officers are considering.

“Expect to see something happen there within the next couple of months.”

But he added the health experts may be cautious towards removing all restrictions just yet.

“We've taken a fair few, nearly all of our restrictions off really, so I think it’s probably time for a wait-and-see approach before we start to remove things like isolation.”

Covid isolation rules could be scrapped in coming months. Picture: Brendan Radke

Close to 12 million Australians aged 16 and over have received a third dose of the vaccine.

A push is already underway for close contacts who test negative to be exempt from the quarantine requirement.

Essential workers in industries including food and grocery, warehousing, transport, education and health who are identified as close contacts are able to go to work if they test negative and have no symptoms.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has previously said the reduction of restrictions was inevitable as Australia looks to living with the virus.

“We’ve seen a peak in omicron cases. We’ve seen a reduction in ICU and hospitalisation numbers, and as you know people are getting back to work,” he said last month.

“I think this is the next step in the road, reducing the restrictions even further.”