How the new exposure site notifications work


27th October 2021
There's a fair bit of confusion over how people are being notified of exposure sites or confirmed Covid cases they may have been in contact with. While high-risk exposure sites are still published on a public list, others are not

There's a fair bit of confusion over how people are being notified of exposure sites or confirmed Covid cases they may have been in contact with.

While high-risk exposure sites are still published on a public list, others are not, and notifications are sent directly to people through the services NSW app.

The problem I see is that unless you're checking your app or QR check-in history, you won't know about it - you'll only get a text or call from NSW Health if you're deemed a close or casual contact. In all other cases, you'll physically need to go into your app and check for possible contact sites.

The new NSW Health guidelines mean 'casual' and 'close' contacts have been reclassified as "monitor for symptoms" sites.
An initial alert will be shown under a user's check-in history. A red icon with the words 'COVID-19 case alert' will appear under the name of the venue if it is deemed an exposure site (like that pictured).
From there, you will be directed to further information on the steps you need to take, such as isolation and testing.
- Most venues will now appear in your Service NSW app as a "venue alert". This means you must monitor for symptoms and get tested if you have even mild symptoms. These are NOT published on the NSW Health website.
- For high risk venues, NSW Health will publish them as a "casual" or "close contact" venue, and text messages or calls will be made to contacts.
I've spoken to the Minister's office today and was told that the technology needed to send instant pop-up alerts to phones is still being worked out but should be operating but December 1. Until then, it's a good idea to check your QR check-in history every day, especially given the number of cases we have in the Hunter Region.
I hope that explains things a little better. If it doesn't, give my office a call on 4959-3200 and one of my staff can step you through the process.

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