Key Points
- Australia is losing $100 million a week due to long COVID
- COVID-19 deaths tripled in residential aged care this year
- A new study shows people with depression are at increased risk of long COVID
South Australia has clarified close contact rules after the self-isolation period for asymptomatic COVID positive cases was reduced from seven to five days on 9 September.
It said close contacts must follow COVID-19 guidelines for seven days after their exposure date.
They need to wear a mask around other people and undertake five RATs over seven days.
In addition, they must notify their employers, schools or childcare and avoid high-risk settings such as hospitals.
Other states and territories may offer clarity as well.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee recommended last week that the rules regarding the close contacts shouldn't be changed.
The Australian Financial Review reported that long COVID is causing $100 million a week in economic output, amounting to approximately $5.2 billion annually.
A new study published in Jama Network found that people with psychological distress are at a higher risk of developing long COVID and related ailments.
The psychological distress includes depression, anxiety, worry, perceived stress, and loneliness.
Department of Health data showed more than 3,000 Australians died with COVID-19 in residential aged care facilities this year - thrice the number of deaths reported in the first two years of the pandemic.
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