What do I need to do when isolating at home?

Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 must isolate to prevent the spread of infection. Isolating when you are infectious (which means that you have the virus and can pass it on to others) protects your family, friends and the wider community from COVID-19. Isolation is a public health requirement.

Isolation involves:

Staying at home, unless you need to leave to get medical care or if you feel unsafe in your home

• do not attend work or school, do not visit public areas, and do not travel on public transport, in taxis or ride-share services
• always call ahead before attending a healthcare or family violence service or police. You must advise them that you have COVID-19
• in many cases you will be able to receive medical care using telehealth (using a phone or video), and medicines can be arranged by your pharmacist or GP to be delivered to your home

Living in a separate room away from other people in your household

• if you can stay in a separate, well-ventilated room away from the other people in your household who are COVID-19 negative, you should do so
• if you cannot isolate in a separate room, avoid shared spaces in the house as much as possible and wear a mask when moving through shared areas, and wipe down any surfaces you touch
• if you can, use a separate bathroom that others do not use. If you share a bathroom, wipe down any surface you touch and flush the toilet with a closed lid

Ensuring others do not enter your home, unless they are providing necessary medical or personal care, or emergency services

• the people who usually live in your house with you can continue to stay there if they are unable to live somewhere else during this time
• if they stay in the home with you, they are considered to be close contacts and are also required to isolate (refer to What information do I give to my caregiver and other people in the household?)
• if you have a household contact who has a weak immune system, is elderly or has another risk for severe COVID-19, contact your state/territory health department to see if they can help with finding them places to stay

Having groceries and other essential items delivered to your home

• as all household members will be in isolation, it is important to arrange delivery of groceries and other essential items
• ask a friend or neighbour to bring essential items to your door
• your council might also provide services to help you during this time

Accessing services you require

• if you have significant care-giving needs that you are unable to manage due to contracting COVID-19, supports are available through your state/territory health department or Centrelink social work services
• to access a social worker, call the same number you use to call Centrelink or the Centrelink families line on 136 150 and ask for a social worker
• if you require a translation service, call the Centrelink multilingual phone service on 131 202 and ask for a social worker.