COVID19 SelfIsolation Guidelines & Care

These guidelines are intended for residents of New South Wales (NSW) who have tested positive for COVID19 or have been told to selfisolate because of close contact with a confirmed case. Following the steps below helps protect your household, your community, and supports a faster recovery.

When Must You SelfIsolate?

• After a positive COVID19 test (PCR or rapid antigen).
• If you are a close contact of a confirmed case and have not yet tested negative.
• If you develop symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, loss of smell/taste, etc.) even without a test result.

How Long Should Isolation Last?

For most people the isolation period is 5 days from the onset of symptoms or the date of the positive test, whichever is earlier, provided all of the following are true:

• No fever for at least 24hours without the use of feverreducing medication.
• Other symptoms are improving (e.g., cough, sore throat).
• You feel well enough to resume normal activities.

If fever or severe symptoms persist, continue to isolate for at least 10 days or until a health professional clears you.

What to Do While Isolating

1. Stay at home. Remain in a separate room if possible and use a separate bathroom.
2. Wear a mask. If you must leave your room, wear a medicalgrade mask (N95/KN95 or surgical mask) and keep a distance of at least 1.5m from others.
3. Ventilate. Open windows or use fans to improve airflow in shared spaces.
4. Hand hygiene. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20seconds a few times a day, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching your face.
5. Cleaning. Disinfect hightouch surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, phone, remote controls) with a 70% alcohol solution or a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) daily.
6. Food & drink. Have a friend, family member, or delivery service bring meals and supplies. If you must handle food, wash your hands before and after.
7. Monitor symptoms. Keep a daily log of temperature, breathing difficulty, and new symptoms. Use NSW Healths COVID19 dashboard for updates.

SelfCare & Recovery Tips

• Stay hydrated. Aim for 23L of water or clear fluids each day.
• Balanced nutrition. Include fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains to support immune function.
• Rest. Prioritise sleep 79hours per night is ideal.
• Pain & fever relief. Paracetamol (500mg1g every 46h) or ibuprofen (200400mg every 68h) can be used as directed, unless contraindicated.
• Breathing exercises. Gentle diaphragmatic breathing can help keep lungs clear.
• Mental health. Use video calls, podcasts, or reading to stay connected. If you feel anxious or depressed, reach out to Lifeline Australia (131114) or NSW Mental Health Help Line (1800011037).

When to Seek Medical Attention

Call 111 immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent high fever (38.5C) that does not improve with medication.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• New confusion, inability to stay awake, or bluish lips/face.
• Worsening cough or wheezing.

Vaccination & Boosters

Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness. If you have not yet received a COVID19 vaccine or booster, schedule one as soon as you are no longer infectious (typically 510days after the start of isolation).

Eligibility and appointment details are available at the NSW COVID19 vaccine portal.

Resources & Support Services

• NSW Health COVID19 Helpline: 1800020080 (9am9pm weekdays).
• Test and Trace: contact tracing information for reporting close contacts.
• Food & Medication Delivery: Local Council services, Stay at Home NSW, and community organisations.
• Financial Assistance: Centrelink Pandemic Leave Payments for eligible workers.

Returning to Normal Activities

When you have completed the isolation period and meet the symptom criteria, you may:

• Resume work or school, following any employer or school policies.
• Use public transport, wearing a mask if required.
• Reengage in social activities, keeping an eye on community transmission levels.

Continue to practice good hand hygiene, keep your home wellventilated, and stay up to date with any changes announced by NSW Health.

Key TakeAway Points

1. Isolate for at least 5days from symptom onset or positive test.
2. Stay in a separate room, wear a mask, and maintain good ventilation.
3. Monitor symptoms daily and seek care urgently if breathing problems develop.
4. Stay hydrated, rest, and eat nutritious foods to aid recovery.
5. Use available NSW resources for medical advice, food delivery, and financial help.
6. Complete vaccination and boosters as soon as you are cleared to do so.

By following these guidelines, you protect yourself, your loved ones, and the wider community. For the latest updates, visit the NSW Health website.