News / Events

• Reduce the isolation period in line with best practice overseas:
  • Positive Result = Isolate for 10 Days at home (if safe to do so) or in a managed facility
  • Close Contact = Isolate for 7 Days at home (if safe to do so) or in a managed facility
  • Vaccinated Travellers at the Border = Isolate for 7 Days at home (if safe to do so) or in a managed facility
• Digital technology is used more in this phase. Cases will be notified via text message and be directed to an online self-investigation tool which will focus on high-risk exposures. Contact tracers will otherwise focus on household contacts, super spreader events and higher need areas like aged care facilities. 
• Change to current testing requirements for critical workers who are close contacts of cases -  widespread use of the 'test to return-to-work' policy where asymptomatic contacts in critical workforces can return a negative rapid antigen test in order to go to work. They will still need to isolate outside of work.
• RATs (Rapid Antigen Tests) will be integrated into our testing system at this phase and will work alongside PCR tests.
• Testing of symptomatic people and Close Contacts with PCR testing but enabling ‘test to return’ for asymptomatic critical workers who are close contacts of cases using RATs.
• 7.2 million RATs are currently in the country, and more will arrive over the next week, Ardern says.
• For now the role for RATs will be supporting the close contact scheme to help keep workplaces staffed and open. 
• Children will never be mandated to be vaccinated.

It is advised that people prepare and develop a self-isolation plan, including identifying a buddy who can drop off supplies

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