Guidance on the public health management of COVID-19 cases and close contacts

The government has made changes to the public health management of COVID-19 cases and close contacts. These changes are framed in light of available evidence, expert views and the international experience of COVID-19, including guidance from the ECDC.

The following measures were removed from Monday, 28 February 2022:

• mandatory requirements for mask wearing
• specific protective measures in place in schools and Early Learning and Care facilities (for example: pods, social distancing and staggering of breaks)

Public health advice is to:

• continue mask wearing on public transport
• continue mask wearing in healthcare settings. Mask wearing is also advised based on individual risk assessment. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask should not be discouraged from doing so

Individuals who are vulnerable to COVID-19 are advised to be aware of the risk associated with activities. Vulnerable individuals are advised to consider wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, such as social gatherings or other activities and events.

These changes have been in effect since Monday, 28 February 2022.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19

• anyone with symptoms should immediately self-isolate
• those under the age of 55 and are otherwise healthy should self‐isolate until 48 hours after symptoms resolve. No test is required
• those aged 55+ years and not yet boosted, those with a high‐risk medical condition, those who are immunocompromised or live with or care for someone who is immunocompromised, or those who are pregnant should self-isolate and seek a PCR test

If you have a positive test result

• all those with a positive test result, PCR or antigen, should isolate for a minimum of 7 days
• those with symptoms should isolate for 7 days from the date of onset of symptoms
• those without symptoms should isolate for 7 days from the date of the first positive test (PCR or antigen)
• ending of self-isolation after 7 days is on the basis that symptoms have substantially or fully resolved for the final 2 of those 7 days
• all those aged 13 years and older with a positive result should use a well-fitted medical grade or FFP2 face mask for 10 days, including when they may be at risk of coming into contact with others in their household
• children aged 9-12 years old with a positive result should wear a well fitted mask for 10 days including when they may be at risk of coming into contact with others in their household

If you are a close contact

No test is required.

Self-isolate if symptoms develop.

If you are a healthcare worker and a household close contact

Repeat antigen testing is required, unless they have recovered from COVID-19 in the previous 3 months.

These changes to the public health management of COVID-19 cases and close contacts are framed in light of available evidence, expert views and the international experience of COVID-19, including the published guidance from ECDC.

A medical grade mask is a three-layered, disposable mask. The masks are typically blue or white coloured, labelled as ‘medical’ and carry a CE marking.

These masks are widely available to purchase in retail outlets.

A respirator /FFP2 mask is a multi-layered mask and has similar filtration values as a medical grade mask.

Respirators provide a tight fit around the wearer’s face and are particularly effective against aerosol transmission. If a respirator, or any face mask, is loose fitting or not worn correctly, it will not offer the same level of protection.

These masks are widely available to purchase in retail outlets.