All return to work

ISOLATION rules for close contacts of a Covid-19 case have been scrapped as long as they have no symptoms and comply with revised NSW Health guidelines.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the lifting of isolation rules for close contacts were “commonsense changes that would allow us to continue to move forward out of the pandemic”.
“This will provide immediate relief for so many workforces and businesses who have been hit hard by labour shortages as people are forced to isolate because they are a household contact,” he said.
Close contacts will not be allowed to visit aged care, hospitals, disability and correctional facilities unless a special exemption applies, must wear a face mask in indoor settings outside the home, undertake daily RAT tests before coming into close contact with people outside their household, where practicable, and comply with the guidelines for seven days from the time a person in their household tests positive.
They must also notify their employer/educational facility that they are a close contact, and are not required to isolate as long as they comply with the above, work from home where practical and avoid contact with elderly and immunocompromised persons, where possible.
“Many small businesses in our local area have been impacted with staff shortages, so the easing of these isolation rules will be a welcome relief to not only business owners but also their staff,” State MP for East Hills, Wendy Lindsay, said.
From April 30, public transport capacity caps will also be lifted with the requirement to wear masks on public transport, planes and indoors at airports and cruise terminals remaining in place.
State MP for Bankstown, Tania Mihailuk, said she welcomed commonsense easing of restrictions “that helps to minimise disruptions to businesses, supports a functional economy and helps our community to live as ‘normal’ as we possibly can”.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard says people still need to exercise caution to protect vulnerable members of the community.