With COVID-19 cases continuing to soar in NSW and adult vaccination rates sitting above 93 per cent, health authorities have recently changed the advice around what people with the virus and their close contacts need to do.
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National cabinet has decided on uniform rules that will come into force across the country, although the introduction of these changes will be staggered.
In NSW, they will come into effect at midnight Thursday.
Read more: PM announces major COVID-19 testing changes
What is a close contact?
From December 31, a 'close contact' will be defined as someone who lives with a confirmed COVID case or has spent more than four hours with a person who has COVID in a home, accommodation or care facility.
This was announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday afternoon.
What are the rules for close contacts?
If a close contact has symptoms of COVID, they must undergo a PCR test; that is, the nose and throat swab collected at a clinic.
Asymptomatic close contacts must take a rapid antigen test and if this returns a positive result, they must then get a PCR test.
Close contacts who return negative test results must still isolate for seven days from their date of exposure to the person with the confirmed COVID infection.
They must also have a rapid antigen test on day six and return a negative result before they leave isolation.
Mr Morrison said work continued on isolation rules for healthcare workers and national cabinet would consider recommendations regarding this next week.
What if someone tells me they have COVID, but I'm not a close contact?
Under the new rules agreed upon by the national cabinet, the prime minister said, someone who was not a close contact under the agreed definition and was not symptomatic did not need to get a test.
Amid huge demand on the testing system, NSW Health advises that the only people who should attend a PCR testing clinic at the moment are those who are symptomatic, live with positive case, or whom they have advised to do so.
At-home rapid antigen tests are currently available at some supermarkets - including some Woolworths, Coles and IGA stores - and online, but there is high demand for them also and Illawarra pharmacists have reported a shortage.
If a person tests positive from a rapid antigen test, they should seek a PCR test.
What if I test positive for COVID?
Under the new rules, a person who tests positive for COVID must isolate for seven days from the date they were tested.
They must also return a negative result from a rapid antigen test on day six before they can leave isolation after that seven days.
Mr Morrison said rapid antigen tests would be provided at testing clinics for those who needed them, that is, positive cases and their close contacts.
Under NSW rules, people with a confirmed case of COVID must tell everyone in their home of their status, as well as their manager at work, or their education institution.
They must also tell anyone they spent time with, either from two days before they got sick to when they started isolating, or if they have had no symptoms, from two days before their test to when they started isolating.
NSW Health considers it safe to manage COVID at home for people who are aged under 65, fully vaccinated, not pregnant and have no chronic health conditions, as well as children under 16.
Anyone who is pregnant and tests positive for COVID should call the NSW Care at Home Support Line on 1800 960 933, as should anyone who needs assistance.
How should I manage COVID at home?
Those with mild symptoms - such as a runny nose, cough or fever - should rest, have plenty of fluids, and take ibuprofen or paracetamol if needed.
People with chronic health conditions should contact their GP or health team if they have any concerns.
If a person with COVID experiences severe symptoms such as severe headaches or dizziness, shortness or breath or difficulty breathing, or chest pressure or pain, they should call triple-0 immediately.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
