New close contact rule in NSW with isolation and QR code changes

NSW Health has flagged major changes to the state’s contact tracing system as the Omicron variant threatens to derail Christmas plans.

People diagnosed with Covid-19 will need to report their own close contacts under new rules released by NSW Health.

In a series of tweets on Friday, the health department said confirmed cases of coronavirus would now need to identify and alert their own close contacts.

“If you are a confirmed case of Covid-19, you must self-isolate at home until cleared by a medical practitioner or registered nurse, regardless of vaccination status,” NSW Health said.

“Immediately inform your household and others who they have been in the same home with for four hours or more and your workplace or education facility that they are close contacts and must follow testing and self-isolation requirements.”

NSW Health tweeted about the new rules on Friday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

The health department said it was “evolving” its contact tracing methods as coronavirus cases increased across the state.

“(We) will be prioritising case interviews and detailed follow-up with people diagnosed with Covid-19,” it tweeted.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Wednesday that only household close contacts or anyone who attended a venue identified by NSW Health would need to isolate for seven days.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet on Wednesday announced major changes to contact tracing. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Instead, fully vaccinated close contacts will be required to get tested and isolate until a negative result is returned.

Mandatory QR code check-ins have also been scrapped in many places, including in cafes and restaurants.

NSW recorded its highest daily amount of Covid-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic on Friday, with infections soaring to 2213, while another person has died.

Friday’s cases are a jump from 1742 on Thursday and 1360 on Wednesday.

However, hospitalisations and intensive care presentations remain relatively low, with 215 people in hospital with the virus, including 24 patients in ICU.