Jeremy Rockliff,Premier
Tasmanians can register for a free PCR or rapid antigen test (RAT) test if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or are directed to by Public Health.
The current definition of a close contact is:
- anyone who lives with or stays overnight in the same premises as a case (which is someone who has tested positive for COVID 19 using a RAT or PCR test); or
- anyone who has spent more than 4 hours in a residential setting with a confirmed case during their infectious period. The infectious period of a case is two days prior to developing symptoms or two days prior to when they tested positive if they did not have symptoms.
If you’re a close contact you must:
- immediately have a COVID-19 test once you are aware you are a close contact;
- test daily with a RAT for 7 days if you are leaving home. If you are not leaving home every day, you must do a second test on day 6;
- isolate and test immediately if you have any symptoms, even mild;
- isolate immediately if you test positive;
- wear a face mask outside your home, when in any indoor space, unless a mask exemption is in place. ;
- tell your workplace you are a close contact; and
- not attend any high-risk settings such as hospitals, aged care facilities, residential disability settings and correctional facilities, unless you are a critical worker with an exemption.
It is also recommended that close contacts avoid large gatherings and social events where physical distancing is not possible and avoid contact with those at risk of severe disease including the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with chronic conditions.
If you have been classed as a close contact of a positive COVID case, you can collect the necessary number of RATs for the 7-day period for free from state-run distribution centres by completing a RAT request form on the coronavirus website or by calling the Public Health Hotline.
Those unable to access one of these established collection points may be able to have them delivered to their home instead.
The Australian Government is also providing free RATs to people who have a concession card, including a Health Care Card. They can be accessed from pharmacies when stock is available.
You can also get a free PCR test at a testing clinic and results are usually provided within 48 hours.
If you get a positive result on a RAT you must notify Public Health. You can register your RAT test on the Coronavirus Website.
If you have a negative RAT result but you continue to have symptoms, you should repeat the RAT with a new kit the next day or arrange a test at a .
Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 must continue to notify their close contacts so they can follow the requirements of a close contact and .
People who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 12 weeks are not considered to be close contacts and do not need to get tested. If it has been more than 12 weeks since you had COVID-19, normal rules apply again and you will be considered a close contact if you meet the above definitions.
