Northern Territory Health Minister Natasha Flyes has announced changes to close-contact isolation rules for the triple-vaccinated, which will take effect as of midnight tonight.
Under the new guidelines, those who are triple-vaccinated will no longer be required to isolate if they are deemed a close contact of a COVID-19 case.
Territorians will now be required to be triple vaccinated to meet the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ under the new guidelines.
In announcing the changes to isolation rules, Flyes said that the triple vaccinated could ‘continue to go about life,’ however stated that whilst no longer required to isolate, some rules would still apply.
There will still be a requirement to get tested for COVID-19 within three days of contact, and again on day six. The wearing of face masks will be required for 7 days both indoors and outdoors if physical distancing is not possible.
There will also be a requirement to notify a school or employer and to avoid high-risk settings and large gatherings. A rapid antigen test (RAT) will be required prior to entry if unable to avoid high-risk settings or large gatherings.
The Minister has also said, “If you’re not triple-vaxxed, you’ll need to isolate or 7 days” instead of 14 days.
Northern Territory Deputy Chief Health Officer, Jacqueline Murdoch said she was not concerned about a potential spike in COVID-19 cases because of the changes to NT’s isolation rules.
