Jeremy Rockliff,Premier
Requirements for close contacts of people who test positive for COVID-19 will change this Monday 2 May.
From 12.01am, people who are close contacts will no longer need to quarantine for seven days, but they will still be required to follow a series of important public health measures.
Close contacts must take a rapid antigen test (RAT) on the day they find out they are a close contact, again on day 6 and each day they leave the home.
Close contacts must wear a face mask when outside of the home in indoor settings, advise their workplace of their close contact status, and avoid high risk premises such as aged care facilities and hospitals.
They will also be recommended to avoid large gatherings and social events, and avoid contact with people vulnerable to severe disease.
On Monday, anyone who was in quarantine as a close contact can leave home but must follow these rules for the remainder of their seven-day period.
Close contacts can collect the necessary RATs for free from state-run distribution centres by completing a RAT request form on the coronavirus website or by calling the Public Health Hotline. Those unable to access one of these established collection points may be able to have them delivered to their home instead.
The Australian Government is also providing free RATs to people who have a concession card, including a Health Care Card. They can be accessed from pharmacies when stock is available.
Importantly, rules for people who have symptoms or test positive are not changing.
I understand these changes may be concerning for some, but they are another important step in our ongoing transition to live with COVID-19 and I want to assure Tasmanians that we are doing this safely, sensibly and in line with national and Tasmanian public health advice.
It also brings Tasmania into line with most other states and territories, including NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and ACT.
As I’ve said many times, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your family and the community is to roll up your sleeves and get vaccinated when you are due.
If you haven’t already, make a booking with one of the many providers across the state and get your vaccination as soon as possible.
With COVID continuing to circulate within the community, I would also like to remind everyone that it is all our responsibility to look out for one another by following the COVID-safe behaviours.
Practice good hand hygiene, follow social distancing, test when you have symptoms, stay home when you are unwell, and wear masks where required to do so.
