COVIDSafe Update: Changes to testing and self-isolation advice from NSW Health
NSW Health has recently made some changes to their advice around testing and self-isolation. The changes relate to when you should get tested, what type of test you should undertake and when you may need to test and self-isolate after recovering from COVID-19.
The NSW government is regularly making changes to their advice on COVID-19 safety measures so it is best to keep up to date with the latest information on the NSW Government COVID-19 page.
As these latest changes may affect a number of our people we are providing this update to ensure you are following the best advice for your situation.
If you are a household contact or have had a high or moderate risk exposure to someone with COVID-19 it is recommended that you are tested as soon as possible.
If you are at higher risk of severe illness you should get a PCR test rather than a rapid antigen test. There are treatments available that can only be prescribed in the early stages of the disease. If you can’t get a PCR test result quickly, do a rapid antigen test (if you have one) while you wait for the PCR test result.
If you are not at higher risk of severe illness, do a rapid antigen test unless your doctor tells you to have a PCR test. Note: employees working at locations with mandatory surveillance testing are required to keep following the current process.
If you have had exposure to someone who has tested positive to COVID-19 and you have had COVID-19 in the last 12 weeks (for which you completed a self isolation period), you do not need to test or self-isolate again within that 12 week period. However, if you are at higher risk of severe illness and your original diagnosis was not confirmed by a PCR test, you should get a PCR test if you get symptoms.
You can use our handy flowcharts for when you have symptoms or are exposed to COVID-19 as a household or moderate to high-risk contact to help you determine if and when you need to test, what type of test you should take and the steps you should take after testing.
If you are ever required to be tested for COVID-19 due to exposure to a confirmed case you must ensure you are tested and then follow the relevant self-isolation advice for people exposed to COVID-19, dependent on your contact type, before you attend any Transport workplaces. If you are identified as a high risk workplace contact through the Transport contact tracing process you will be directed to not attend any Transport workplaces for 7 days from the date of exposure.
