Isolation times for health workers slashed in bid to keep services running

Health workers who are exposed to Covid-19 will be back at work sooner under new rules designed to keep health services running.

Health workers that come in contact with Covid-19 will have to isolate for half as long as before under new rules released by NSW Health.

Essential workers deemed a household close contact will only have to isolate for one week, compared to 14 days previously.

Before returning to work, they will also have to return a negative PCR test on day six and follow an extensive risk reduction plan.

Those potentially exposed to the virus in the community can get back to work in as little as three days after returning a negative PCR test on day two.

Isolation rules for workplace close contacts will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Around 2000 NSW Health staff are currently unable to work as Covid-19 numbers surge, with the new rules aiming to get them back to work sooner.

Healthcare workers that are community close contacts can now be back at work after just two days isolation. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

NSW Health Deputy Secretary Nigel Lyons said the new rules balanced maintaining health service capacity with the safety of workers and patients.

“Healthcare workers are the most vital workers needed in a pandemic, and the safety of staff working at NSW Health is of the utmost importance,” Dr Lyons said.

“These changes are possible because healthcare workers are required to be vaccinated, many have recently received booster doses, they are trained in infection control practices, they wear PPE in the workplace, and they have access to rapid testing.”

Those returning to the workforce will also be required to undergo daily COVID-19 rapid antigen testing and follow strict protocols such as wearing a mask at all times while at work.

NSW recorded 6,324 new cases of Covid-19 on Monday as testing clinics struggled to cope with overwhelming demand.

There were 520 people in hospital, with 55 people in intensive care and 17 requiring ventilation.