Premier Jeremy Rockliff discussed COVID-19 isolation changes and dropping of masks at National Cabinet

A decision regarding COVID-19 health measures was made at the national cabinet meeting in Wednesday, which was attended by Tasmanian Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff.

Under the new rules, anyone testing positive for COVID-19 will only isolate for five days instead of the current seven.

Anyone who works in high-risk settings such as medical facilities, and who works in aged care or disability, would still be required to remain in isolation for seven-days.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the state would continue to adjust its public health response as needed, and would work with other states and territories about how best to protect the most vulnerable, and Tasmania's health system.

"As Tasmania continues to adjust our public health response, we will work with other states to undertake long-term planning to protect our most vulnerable and safeguard our health system against future waves and new COVID-19 variants, if and when they occur," he said.

"As we've done from day one, we will follow the public health advice, and any decision to reduce isolation periods will be a national approach and informed by the advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee."

The changes to the rules were described by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as a "proportionate response at this point in the pandemic".

"We want people to stay home. We want people to act responsibly," Mr Albanese said.

The changes will start on September 9.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

Follow us on Google News: The Examiner