Students and staff who were previously advised they were education close contacts have now been classified as casual contacts and can now leave self-isolation if they have not done so already, provided that they have had a nose and throat (PCR) test and received a negative result. You should still exercise caution for 14 days after exposure.

Given the risk of transmission, it is recommended that, as a contact of a person with COVID-19, you should consider your personal and family circumstances and those you may come into contact with in managing the risks associated with potential transmission. You should avoid high risk settings (health care, aged care, correctional facilities) where possible, and take extra precautions around vulnerable people including family members, for 14 days after your last exposure.

You should also consider undertaking a rapid antigen test before family functions or visiting vulnerable family or friends to minimise the risk of transmission. Rapid antigen test kits are now widely available in chemists, supermarkets and other retailers / online.

NSW Health reminds anyone who has been unwell or if you develop any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pains, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness to be tested at one of the COVID-19 testing clinics.

The Department of Education is working closely with NSW Health and we will be in contact with you should any of this advice change.

Further information on COVID-19 is available on the NSW Government website.

If you need practical support or have non-urgent health-related questions, call NSW Health on 1800 943 553.