COVID Bulletin - 31 December 2021

Important update – definition of close contacts and testing for COVID-19

Following a national cabinet meeting on Thursday 30 December 2021, there is now an agreed national definition for a close contact of a COVID-19 case and new testing requirements.

This is an important update that affects:

• the definition of a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case
• quarantine requirements for patients
• furloughing requirements for GPs and practice staff
• testing requirements for close contacts and suspected cases, including use of PCR and rapid antigen tests.

Note that these changes come into effect from 31 December 2021.

Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania residents should check their state or territory requirements and timelines.

     COVID-19 test and isolation national protocols