A range of workers are now exempt from close contact isolation rules in Australia, National Cabinet has announced.
The Prime Minister said some workers will be able to get a negative rapid antigen test result and return to work to prevent the current supply chain issues plaguing the nation.
Here is what we know about the new rules.
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Who is exempt?
Scott Morrison said the new rules will ensure essential services can "continue to be staffed".
This will be in place for the following workers:
- Transport, freight and logistics
- Healthcare workers
- Emergency services including law enforcement, correctional services, energy resources and water, waste management
- Food, beverage and other critical good supplies
- Food distribution system and production system - this does not include hospitality
- Telecommunication, data, broadcasting and media
- Education and childcare
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What does it mean?
If you were one of the above-mentioned workers, you will only need to return a negative rapid antigen test result before returning to work.
Mr Morrison said this is to ease the pressure on workforce and supply chain shortage.
Why have the rules changed?
The changes come as many essential services and businesses have experienced staff shortages due to the close contact rules.
The staff shortages meant there were supply chain disruptions causing supermarkets to reintroduce purchase limits.
For anyone who is not one of these workers, the close contact rules remain the same meaning you need to isolate for seven days.
What about schools?
Mr Morrison also said it is "absolutely essential" for schools to return for term one this year.
"It is absolutely essential for schools to go back, safely, and to remain safely open if we are not to see any further exacerbation of the workforce challenges we are currently facing," he said.
With today's announcement, teachers will only need to get a negative rapid antigen test result before returning to the classroom.
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