Explained: Queensland scraps close contact, unvaccinated arrival isolation rules
Queensland is the latest Australian state to walk back its isolation requirements for close contacts of COVID-19 and unvaccinated international arrivals.
From next Thursday the mandatory seven days of isolation will no longer apply to either group of people.
Despite this, some rules do remain in place for close contacts. Here's everything you need to know.
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Close contacts will still need to test every second day, using either a PCR or a rapid antigen test. Cameron Atfield
What COVID-19 rules are changing in Queensland?
Queensland is scrapping the quarantine requirements it has for close contacts of COVID-19 positive patients and unvaccinated international arrivals.
Curiously, Queensland clarifies quarantine and isolation differently to other states.
In Queensland, quarantine is about keeping away from others just in case you have COVID-19, while isolation is staying away from others when you know you have COVID-19.
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Quarantine requirements for unvaccinated international travellers are also being scrapped. 9News
When do the rules change?
Queensland will scrap the quarantine requirement of seven days at home on Thursday April 28 at 6pm.
Does this mean if I'm a close contact I can just live life normally?
Mostly yes.
After 6pm on April 28, any close contact who is asymptomatic can go about their daily lives, including returning to work.
If a close contact develops symptoms – even if they test negative – they should still quarantine at home.
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If I'm a close contact do I still have to do a COVID-19 test?
Yes.
Even asymptomatic close contacts must return a negative COVID-19 test every second day, starting on the day that you found out you were a close contact.
You must also wear a mask when you leave the house – even outdoors.
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Asymptomatic close contacts can still go to work, but they must wear a mask. Nine
Are there any other rules I need to know?
Yes there's one big one left: close contacts must not visit "vulnerable settings" in the seven days after they find out they are a close contact.
That means you're not allowed to go into hospitals (unless you yourself need care), aged care, disability and correctional environments.
EXPLAINED: Everything to know about the COVID-19 isolation rules changing in NSW and Victoria
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