How Scott Morrison proposes to change the definition of COVID-19 close contacts

National cabinet will meet today to consider a single nationwide definition of a COVID-19 close contact.

It comes as COVID-19 cases skyrocket and wait times for PCR tests and results blow out.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison yesterday revealed the definition he proposes the country adopts for a close contact.

Under the definition, a close contact would be anyone who has spent four our more hours in a household-like setting with a positive case.

Those found to be close contacts would have to quarantine for seven days and take a rapid antigen test on day six. Those cleared would then need to take a rapid antigen test on day 12.

The snap national cabinet meeting will also consider replacing PCR tests with RATs in some circumstances.

“The Prime Minister said is those PCR tests … those should be saved for those with symptoms, international arrivals, healthcare workers and other people who work in high risk settings, as well as priority populations, as well as people who’ve taken a rapid antigen test and received a positive result,” Nine News political reporter Fiona Willan told Shane McInnes, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

Press PLAY below to hear more about what’ll be discussed by national cabinet today