As COVID-19 quarantine rules are being scrapped for the household contacts of people infected with the virus in NSW and Victoria, the ACT is expected to follow suit.
The seven-day home quarantine for household contacts is expected to be scrapped in NSW at 6 pm on Friday and 11:59 pm in Victoria.
After the scrapping of the seven-day home quarantine rules, close contacts will be required to undertake daily rapid antigen tests, wear masks indoors and work from home where possible.
They will also have to notify their employers and avoid high-risk environments like hospitals and aged care settings.
Meanwhile, ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith has indicated the nation’s capital will make a similar announcement on Thursday.
“The ACT government is keen to ensure that ACT public health directions are consistent with settings in NSW and Victoria to the greatest extent possible, taking account of our local circumstances,” she said.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet stated that the easing of restrictions was an important milestone for the state after an “incredibly challenging” two years.
“People haven’t been able to say goodbye to their loved ones, weddings have been postponed, people have lost jobs,” he said.
“When it comes to COVID, I think we all have a lot to be proud of. These changes are another mark in our COVID journey.”
Along with these changes, it was also revealed that the State and Territory Governments would work with unions to determine which industries would still require workers to be vaccinated, with the health and education sectors likely to keep the vaccine mandate.
Starting from April 30, hotel quarantine for unvaccinated international returning travellers will end in NSW and social distancing on public transport will also be ditched. However, masks will still be required for commuters as well as on planes, inside airports and at cruise terminals.
Industry groups welcomed the easing of the quarantine rules, which they say will help address staffing shortages, particularly in retail and hospitality.
With AAP