Australia Covid news live: NSW reports record 21,151 cases; Victoria records 5,919 cases; SA refuses new close contact definition

In a high case-load environment, there is a need for a modified, risk-based approach to quarantine and isolation settings. AHPPC advises that the isolation period for Covid-19 cases should be standardised regardless of vaccination status to a length of 7 days.

Household contacts or those identified as being at risk of significant transmission should quarantine for 7 days after last exposure to a case regardless of vaccination status and then, subject to a negative test on day 6, monitor for symptoms for a further 7 days and repeat testing if these occur. Other contacts who have been potentially exposed to a case but who are at lower risk of infection should monitor for symptoms and have RAT or PCR test if these occur.

All contacts should wear a mask when outside home, monitor symptoms and avoid visiting high risk settings for 14 days following exposure to reduce their risk of transmission to others. If RAT tests are positive, these should be followed by a positive PCR test to confirm the diagnosis, allow notification and to link individuals into social and medical support.

PCR tests are the preferred test for symptomatic individuals. In certain critical occupations where an exposure occurs, arrangements for management of contacts can be further modified to allow business continuity, subject to a thorough risk assessment process.

source: theguardian.com