Queensland Health has developed new response measures to COVID-19 cases, coming into effect on 1 January 2022.
Minister for Health, Yvette D’Ath said the measures were consistent with the national plan for reopening.
“After hitting our 80 per cent vaccination target, our borders are re-opening,” Ms D’Ath said.
She said as a result, this would inevitably bring a rise in cases and increased community transmission.
“For every COVID-positive person, there will also be close and casual contacts,” Ms D’Ath said.
“Managing the testing, tracing and quarantine of these people — along with bolstering surge capacity in our hospitals — will be the key to keeping businesses and borders open,” she said.
Ms D’Ath said the requirements for casual contacts from 1 January 2022 would be to get tested immediately and quarantine until receiving a negative result, while masks were recommended outside the home for 14 days.
She said vaccinated close contacts from 1 January 2022 must quarantine for seven days; get a test immediately and on day five; and they could move out of quarantine on day eight (if tested negative).
The Minister said precautionary measures included mask wearing outside the home and avoiding high-risk settings for days eight to 14.
She said requirements for unvaccinated close contacts from 1 January 2022 included to quarantine for 14 days; get tested immediately and on days five and 12.
Minister for Employment and Small Business, Di Farmer said the new arrangements would minimise disruption for businesses while managing the risks of COVID-19.
“We acknowledge this is a new normal for everyone and I know all business owners just want to do the right thing,” Ms Farmer said.
“This provides the clarity and certainty of what managing COVID in the workplace looks like,” she said.
