COVID isolation reduced to five days, no more masks on plane

The isolation period for people with COVID-19 positive cases has now been reduced to five days as opposed to the regular seven days.

However, this would apply to people with no symptoms at five days. Seven days isolation remains for workers in high-risk setting including aged care, disability care, those providing care in the home.

These changes will come into effect from Friday, 9 September, with the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment (PLDP) eligibility to reflect the changed isolation periods, effective the same date.

The decision came after the National Cabinet met in Sydney yesterday to discuss COVID-19 settings and key joint-actions for the upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit.

The National Cabinet also agreed to remove the mandatory wearing of masks on domestic flights. This change will also come into effect from Friday 9 September.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd provided an update on the pandemic and outlined strategies for combating potential COVID-19 waves.

First Ministers reinforced their commitment to continued collaboration between the Commonwealth, state and territory governments in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ahead of the Jobs and Skills Summit, First Ministers discussed ongoing workforce shortages impacting Australia’s economy and employers’ access to skilled workers. They agreed on the vision statement and guiding principles for a new National Skills Agreement, according to a media release from the Prime Minister’s office.

The National Cabinet will meet again next month to work together on national priorities.

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