The Prime Minister says Australia will move to a single definition of COVID-19 close contacts at today’s snap National Cabinet meeting.

Scott Morrison says the universal definition will ensure people can “get on with their lives”.

More than 18,000 new infections were detected across the country yesterday.

Nine News federal political reporter Fiona Willan told Mark Levy it’s expected the new definition will be someone who’s spent four or more in a household-like setting with a positive case.

“If you’re found to be a close contact, … the idea is you be required to quarantine for seven days, take a rapid antigen test on day six and then you’d be allowed out if you’re clear and then you test again on day 12.

Lengthy testing queues and long delays for results will also be on the agenda.

But Fiona said at the end of the day, there’s no guarantee the state and territory leaders will unanimously agree to any changes.

Press PLAY below to hear Fiona Willan’s full report 

Chair of Epidemiology at Deakin University Professor Catherine Bennett earlier told John Stanley the definition of close contacts “should evolve” as states change goals.

“It is really about trying to take our test, trace, isolate and quarantine approaches into the next phase now.

“We will miss people who’ve been exposed to a case and might acquire an infection.

“We know that there’s that risk, but the risk drops away as you move away from households.”

Press PLAY below to hear Professor Bennett’s advice in full 

Image: Nine News