Self-isolation

Self-isolation (stay in your room) means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people for 10 days and 5 days fever-free if symptomatic. This includes the people you live with.

If you live with other people, stay on your own in a room with a window you can open, if possible. Ask other people to go to the shop or pharmacy for you. Only leave your house if you need urgent medical help, such as going to hospital.

If you are travelling from a designated state, please see our travel advice.

When to self-isolate

if you have symptoms of COVID-19
while you wait for a test appointment and your test results, if you have symptoms of COVID-19
if you have had a positive test result from COVID-19, even if you have mild or no symptoms
if you are being tested as a close contact and you have developed symptoms of COVID-19

How to self-isolate

stay at home, in a room with a window you can open
keep away from other people - especially older people or anyone with a long-term medical condition
phone your GP to see if you need a test for COVID-19
wash your hands properly and often
use soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser to clean your hands after coughing or sneezing
use a different bathroom to others in your household, if possible. If that is not possible, clean your hands: before entering the room, after using the toilet and before leaving the room
clean any surfaces you have touched after using the bath or shower
ask friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food or supplies to your doorstep
use your own towel - do not share a towel with others
clean your room every day with a household cleaner or disinfectant
do not go to work, school, religious services or public areas
do not have any visitors to your home

Watch out for signs that you are getting worse while self-isolating. If you start to feel very unwell, phone your GP - particularly if your breathing changes or becomes difficult, or your cough gets worse.

Learn more about supports available to you.

Self-isolation

When to self-isolate

How to self-isolate

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