As we continue to adjust to living with COVID, the Declaration of State of Emergency on Norfolk Island will no longer be in effect and is being replaced by a range of public health directions.
This approach allows for the COVID-19 response on Norfolk Island to transition from a disaster and emergency management focus to a public health response, supporting the health and wellbeing of the community moving forward.
The public health directions are supported by a Declaration of a Public Health Emergency by the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP.
This change in the COVID response will not affect any future response for Norfolk Island in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency event. It is specific to the ongoing management of COVID-19 on Norfolk Island.
There are two main changes with the creation of the Public Health Directions. Close contacts are no longer required to isolate as long as they do not have COVID-19 symptoms. Also, you now need to wear masks in the airport again.
People testing positive to COVID must continue to isolate for seven days.
From 30 July 2022, the following public health directions are in effect:
- Requirements for people who test positive to COVID-19 and their close contacts
- Requirements for people who work in health and residential aged care
- Requirements to wear a face mask in certain circumstances, including in aircraft and at the airport
- Prohibiting people from intentionally spitting at, coughing on or sneezing on public officials or workers.
The new Public Health Directions are available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website at https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/territories/norfolk-island/coronavirus-response.
I would like to thank EMNI for leading the COVID-19 response over the past two and a half years, NIHRACS and health staff for their ongoing work to care for the community as well as acknowledging everyone for their contributions to keeping our community safe.
Please refer to the NIHRACS website or Facebook page for regular updates on COVID-19 case numbers, public health advice and vaccination programs.
Eric Hutchinson
Administrator of Norfolk Island
29 July 2022