WA Health has introduced new rules for close contacts of COVID-19 cases linked to schools.
The Department said parents and carers were no longer required to automatically quarantine with a child who was identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 case.
“Depending on the child’s needs, one parent or carer may still need to stay home to care for them while the child is quarantining,” it said.
WA Health said parents and carers of children who were close contacts needed to take extra precautions and limit interaction with the close contact where possible and monitor themselves for symptoms.
“If symptoms arise, they should get tested immediately,” it said.
“The rest of the household, including siblings who have not been identified as close contacts, can attend work or school, and should also monitor themselves for symptoms.”
WA Health said there were steps people in this situation could take to protect themselves and their family which included:
* Minimising physical contact with the close contact;
* Sleep separately from the close contact;
* Use a separate bathroom from the close contact if possible;
* Wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser;
* Cover coughs and sneezes;
* Regularly clean all surfaces (such as tabletops, doorknobs and bathroom fixtures) by using household disinfectant or diluted bleach solution; and
* Wear a mask in shared areas or when caring for other members of their household.
“Families who have a child at home in quarantine because of being a close contact should minimise non-essential interaction with family members who are elderly, immunocompromised or have medical conditions such as heart, lung or kidney problems,” WA Health said.
Further information about quarantine and isolation can be accessed at this PS News link.
