The no contact period is over two very brief periods. The take off one is shorter than the landing one. As you gathered it is to prevent any distractions to the flight deck who more than likely would be aware of it.
During landing the no contact period is based on the landing gear up or down. In a go around the gear would be retracted and that would end the no contact period. It would commence when the pilots try and land again and the gear is extended. As I mentioned there are zero exceptions so as long as the gear is down the no contact period is in place.
