Changes are being made to Chief Health Officer (CHO) COVID-19 Directions for close contacts in the Northern Territory.
These changes are in line with the Territory's progression to living with COVID-19, which has seen our health goals shift to managing the rate of spread and preventing serious illness.
From 12.01am on 27 April 2022, the following changes to isolation requirements for close contacts will come into effect.
Close contacts who are up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations
Close contacts who are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations having had at least three doses, and do not have symptoms will no longer be required to isolate. They will still need to have a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test within the first three days after exposure and on day six.
Close contacts will be required to wear a mask for seven days after exposure to a COVID-19 case when leaving the house and social distancing cannot be applied, and must avoid visiting high risk settings such a hospital, disability shared care house, residential aged care facility or corrections facility. They must also inform their employer or school that they are a close contact.
Where possible, close contacts should avoid contact with people at risk of severe illness and avoid large or crowded indoor gatherings for seven days after exposure. It is also recommended close contacts have a Rapid Antigen Test if possible prior to attending an indoor gathering with people who are not household contacts, including school and the workplace.
Close contacts who have COVID-19 symptoms must immediately isolate, get tested for COVID-19 and remain in isolation until symptoms resolve.
Close contacts who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated
Close contacts who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated for COVID-19 must continue to isolate for seven days. They will also need to have a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test within the first three days of their isolation period and on day six.
Day zero of isolation starts from the day a close contact was exposed to a COVID-19 case.
Previously, unvaccinated people were required to isolate for 14 days.
COVID-19 positive
All people who test positive for COVID-19 are still required to isolate for at least seven days, declare their positive Rapid Antigen Test result and register for COVID CareNT here using the online registration form.
COVID-19 vaccination
Vaccination remains our best defence against COVID-19 and it is important everyone stays up-to-date with their vaccinations. Being up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines provides protection against hospitalisation and severe illness from COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available in the NT at participating GP clinics, pharmacies, respiratory clinics, Aboriginal health clinics and NT Health Vaccination Centres.
Book online here or call the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.
