There have been several COVID-19 updates at a national level in the last week. These include altered mask recommendations, new vaccine eligibility, and changes to international travel. Further information on each is outlined below, along with a state-based breakdown of measures that may affect your business. 

Winter COVID-19 advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee
The COVID-19 reinfection period has been reduced from 12 weeks to 28 days. Symptomatic cases four weeks after an initial positive result are now classed as new cases. Read more from AHPPC here.

National advice on a winter (fourth) vaccine dose has been updated 
Fourth COVID-19 vaccine doses are now available to all those over the age of 30 and in some instances, to those over 16 years of age. Read more here.
 

International travel restrictions lifted
Unvaccinated Australians are now permitted to travel internationally without the need for an individual exemption. Read more here.

Below you will find links to the current measures and recommendations in place in each state. Should any state change its guidance or mandates in light of the current surge in cases, you will find the most up-to-date information via the sources below.

New South Wales
A fourth vaccine dose is now available to people over the age of 30 and is recommended to those over the age of 50 and those at greater risk of severe illness. Mask recommendations have changed. Read more about current rules and restrictions here.

Victoria
A fourth vaccine dose is now available to people over the age of 30 and is recommended to those over the age of 50 and those at greater risk of severe illness. Read more here.

Find updated recommendations on masks for your staff here.

Queensland
A fourth vaccine dose is now available to people over the age of 30 and is recommended to those over the age of 50 and those at greater risk of severe illness. Read more here.

Current measures in place for Queensland, including updated mask recommendations, can be found here.

South Australia
South Australia is currently only recommending a fourth (winter) vaccine dose to the severely immunocompromised or those suffering a chronic condition between 18 and 64 years of age. Read more here.

The current guidance on face masks and other COVID-19 measures in South Australia can be found here.

Western Australia
A fourth vaccine dose is now available and encouraged for everyone over the age of 30. Read more here.  

Find up-to-date information on COVID-19 mandates and measures in Western Australia here.


Tasmania
A fourth vaccine dose is now recommended for people over the age of 50. It is available to those over the age of 30, however, the benefits in this age group are less certain at this stage. Read more here.  

See changes to mask recommendations in Tasmania from 1 July here.

Northern Territory
A fourth vaccine dose is now available to anyone over the age of 30, and anyone over the age of 16 with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness. There are no active recommendations. Read more here.

Find up-to-date information on COVID-19 mandates and measures in the Northern Territory here.
 

Australian Capital Territory
A fourth vaccine dose is now available to people over the age of 30 and is recommended to those over the age of 50 and those at greater risk of severe illness. Read more here.

Find up-to-date information on COVID-19 mandates and measures in the ACT here.

Advocacy Update: Dental Sector Working Group

As part of ongoing collaboration with the TGA and the wider medical community, ADIA regularly participates in the Australian Dental Sector Working Group (DSWG).

The Meeting Statement for the DSWG meeting held on 31 March 2022 is now available to view. The  consultative process to develop a new regulatory framework for personalised medical devices is ongoing. ADIA members can stay updated on the process through these CEO communications. 

If you have any questions about how you can get involved with ADIA advocacy work, feedback, or suggestions, please contact me via email.