Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
NT relaxes isolation rules for fully vaxed
Triple vaccinated close contacts of COVID-19 cases in the Northern Territory are no longer required to isolate from midnight Tuesday.
April 26, 2022
Triple vaccinated close contacts of COVID-19 cases won’t be required to isolate under updated health directions in the Northern Territory.
The isolation period for unvaccinated close contacts has been reduced from 14 to seven days as of midnight Tuesday.
“Territorians that have rolled up their sleeves and gotten that important booster dose,” Health Minister Natasha Fyles told reporters.
“If someone in your household (has COVID-19) or you’re deemed a close contact … you can continue to go about life.”
However, under the rule change close contacts must get tested within the first three days and on day six, and they’re required to avoid high-risk settings and large gatherings.
They also need to wear a face mask for seven days outside of their home if they can’t physically distance and must notify their employer or school of their status.
The NT government deems a close contact to be someone who has been exposed to an infectious person for four consecutive hours indoors.
Chief Health Officer Hugh Heggie has also changed the definition of fully vaccinated person to be those who’ve had three doses.
The NT reported 362 new COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Monday.
There are currently 46 coronavirus patients in hospital, with one in intensive care.