Queensland government announces changes to how businesses deal with Covid

Changes have been announced to how Queensland businesses must respond when exposed to a case of Covid-19, including how long staff must quarantine.

Changes to how businesses deal with Covid-19 cases have been announced in Queensland.

From January 1, low risk contacts will not need to quarantine or undertake a test.

Casual contacts will be required to immediately get a test but will only need to isolate until a negative result is returned.

However they will be encouraged to wear a mask for 14 days after the exposure date.

Vaccinated close contacts will be required to get a test and quarantine for seven days – down from the current 14 day period.

They will also need to get a PCR test on day five of their isolation.

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath and Small Business Minister Di Farmer announce changes to how Queensland businesses deal with Covid cases. Picture: Dan Peled

If that test is negative, their quarantine period can end after the seven days however they will need to wear a mask and won’t be able to visit high risk settings like hospitals and aged care facilities for 14 days.

Vaccinated people in that household won’t be required to quarantine however will need to get a PCR test on day one and five.

If a household contact is unvaccinated, they will need to abide by the same restrictions as the close contact.

Businesses won’t have to close for a deep clean if identified as a Covid exposure site. Picture: Brendan Radke

However, unvaccinated close contacts will still need to quarantine for two weeks and immediately get a test.

Another test will be required on day five and 12.

If a vaccinated person lives in the same household as an unvaccinated close contact, they will need to quarantine for seven days and get a PCR test on day one and five – unless they can be separated from the contact.

However, if the close contact is 12-years-old or younger, vaccinated household contacts do not need to isolate but will need to get a PCR test on day one and five.

Businesses will no longer be required to undertake a deep clean if they are identified as an exposure site – however they will still need to close briefly to perform their own cleaning.

Originally published as Queensland government announces changes to how businesses deal with Covid