Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff backs Dominic Perrottet in call for the end of mandatory isolation

A decision to scrap Covid isolation rules has divided opinion, with some describing it as “good news” and others condemning the move as “cold-hearted”. Have your say.

A decision to scrap Covid isolation rules has divided opinion, with some describing it as “good news” and others condemning the move as “cold-hearted”.

Following a meeting of national cabinet in Canberra on Friday, it was announced that the mandatory seven-day Covid isolation requirement for people who tested positive for the virus would be removed on Friday, October 14.

The new arrangement will not apply to those working in an aged care facility or hospital.

Chief medical officer Paul Kelly recommended the change in the wake of a significant fall in new cases and ICU admissions around the country.

Picture: iStock

Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who, together with his NSW counterpart Dominic Perrottet, led the charge for the isolation rules to be wound back, acknowledged the change would be “concerning for some” but said it was an “important step” on the path to “treating Covid-19 like we do other respiratory illnesses like the flu”.

“The removal of the mandatory isolation period will have a significant positive impact on local businesses and the current workforce shortages many sectors are experiencing,” he said.

“Importantly, our health system remains prepared to ensure continuity of care for those with Covid-19 safely and effectively into the future.”

The Australian Medical Association has panned the move, saying it is “not scientifically literate” and jeopardises public health.

A Mercury poll showed 54% in favour of the isolation rule being scrapped, but 46% voted keeping it. Have your say below.

Tasmanian Greens health spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff, an epidemiologist, said Mr Rockliff’s “ardent support” for the decision was a “betrayal” of Tasmanians.

“Today’s cold-hearted decision makes participating in community life more dangerous for the elderly and immune-compromised, and for Tasmanians with a disability,” she said.

Dr Woodruff predicted the state would now see soaring infections and reinfections, which she said would increase the prevalence of long Covid symptoms in the community.

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey, however, said the removal of isolation rules was “good news for the community and for Tasmanian businesses”.

“We have consistently said that we need to learn to live with Covid and it seems that we are almost there,” he said.

“The best thing the government can do is continue to support workers in high-risk areas, like health, but also make sure we continue to maintain very high vaccination rates.”

In the week to Thursday, September 29, Tasmania recorded 732 new Covid cases and two were admitted to ICU.

73.97 per cent of the state’s 16 and over population have received their third vaccine dose.

Premier to back push to scrap Covid isolation rule

PREMIER Jeremy Rockliff is willing to back his New South Wales counterpart in a bid to scrap mandatory Covid isolation.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet will use Friday’s national cabinet meeting to call for the country to abandon the five-day mandatory isolation period for Covid-19.

Mr Perrottet said it was time for the country to collectively shift in its management of the virus by scrapping the compulsory isolation period altogether.

“I believe we need to get to a point where if you’re sick you stay at home, and if you’re not, you get out and about and enjoy life,” Mr Perrottet said.

“It’s always a balance between the public health, broader health issues like mental health, social wellbeing and economic and financial issues facing people across our state”.

Premier of NSW Dominic Perrottet. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Mr Perrottet said he would like the change in policy to be consistent across the country.

“I certainly believe we need to keep taking steps forward as a nation when it comes to Covid. I believe we have made great inroads as a national cabinet,” he said.

“We’ve made steps in the right direction, reducing isolation from seven days to five days.”

Mr Rockliff said he was prepared to support his Liberal colleague Mr Perrottet.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of all Tasmanians has been the Government’s priority throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and this remains the case as we continue to manage Covid-19 in our highly vaccinated community,” Mr Rockliff said.

“The Tasmanian Government supports in-principle the removal of mandatory isolation periods, which acknowledges the low number of Covid-19 cases in the community.

“The removal of the mandatory isolation period will have a significantly positive impact on local business and the current workforce shortages many sectors are experiencing.

“However, we do understand the importance of a nationally consistent approach, and I am looking forward to discussing this further at tomorrow’s meeting of National Cabinet with other state and territory leaders.

“The Tasmanian Government has implemented a comprehensive and effective response to increased cases in our community, and has prepared our health system to ensure continuity of care for those with Covid-19 safely and effectively.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a press conference after the National Cabinet meeting at Parliament house, Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Infectious disease expert Professor Peter Collignon agreed with a move away from public health orders.

“My own view is provided that people don‘t go to work and intermingle when they have symptoms, we are heading that way (to no isolation),” he said.