Seniors COVID-19 advice

Leaving the house

There are no specific restrictions for people over 70 about self-isolating or staying home. You can choose when you go out, where you visit, and when to have visitors. 

However, NSW Health advises that people over 70 are at greater risk of more severe symptoms if they are infected with COVID-19. 

This may mean you want to be more cautious about who you choose to see and where you choose to go.

Whatever you decide, it’s important that you follow the same health and safety advice that applies to the whole community:

• get tested if you have any symptoms, even if they are only mild
• practise good hand hygiene
• maintain a physical distance of at least 1.5 metres from others, unless you’re in the same household
• stay active and healthy
• take extra care if you're around vulnerable people
• follow the rules about gatherings, particularly around weddings, funerals and worship.

Face masks

It is recommended that you wear a face mask

• when physical distancing can't be guaranteed
• if you have symptoms and are seeking medical advice
• if you are in self-isolation and in the same room as another person
• if you are required to when entering a premises or facility such as medical clinic or aged care home
• it is recommended by NSW Health. 

Health care workers who are caring for patients with suspected COVID-19 should use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves against the virus.

Visiting aged care facilities

NSW Health provides tailored advice for the wearing of masks to aged care facilities and other health settings such as hospitals, specific to the location. 

Before you go, find out the current arrangements in place for any facility you plan to visit. 

Going to a place of worship

When you go to your place of worship there are things you should expect will be different under COVID-19 restrictions.

• Depending on the premises, there may be limitations on how many people can enter at one time.
• Staff or people required for the services may be allowed in addition to guests and not count towards the limit. This is only allowed if physical distancing and other COVID-19 precautions are observed.

• Everyone should maintain physical distancing and good personal hygiene.
• Organisers should have conditions of entry at all entrances, and these should be available on the organisation’s website and social media platforms.
• Staff may ask you to enter or leave the premises at a particular time or through a specific door to reduce crowding at the entrance or exit.
• Individuals, businesses and organisations must comply with the current public health orders restrictions and manage risks (including COVID-19) to staff and other people under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Staying connected when self-isolating

If you are self-isolating for any reason, take care of your mental wellbeing by staying connected with your community, family, and friends. While you might not be able to see people in person, you can stay in touch by calling, emailing, texting or connecting by video call.

Connect online

The Tech Savvy Seniors Program provides low-cost training to seniors, helping with skills development and building confidence to access information and services online.

The program is delivered by community colleges and libraries at locations across NSW. Find out more about how you can access the training.

Beware of scams

You can take simple steps to better protect your personal and financial information online.

Visit the Stay Smart Online website where you can

• learn how to protect yourself online
• keep up with the latest online threats and know how to deal with them
• find out about help available if you are caught out by a scam.

Keeping active and healthy

If you are limiting your contact with other people you still need to look after your regular health. Keep yourself active and healthy by:

• getting some fresh air and exercise
• eating a healthy and balanced diet
• looking after your regular medical needs
• keeping to an active and healthy daily routine.

Get help at home

If you need help at home, visit the My Aged Care website to find out about the home care available to you on an ongoing basis or even for a short time. This might include services that will help you

• stay well and independent
• be safe in your home
• keep in touch with your community.

If you’re feeling unwell 

Do not attend religious services, weddings, funerals or other gatherings in person if you are feeling unwell or think you may have any COVID-19 symptoms.

You may want to ask the organisers if they will livestream the event so that you can watch it online and participate from home.

Symptoms of COVID‐19 include

• fever
• cough
• a sore or scratchy throat
• shortness of breath
• runny nose
• loss of smell or
• loss of taste.

Even if you only have mild symptoms, do not go out except to get tested as soon as possible. After you've been tested, you should stay home while you are waiting for test results.

Who is at higher risk of COVID-19

You may be fit and healthy however NSW Health advice is that being over 70 means you’re at a higher risk of more serious illness from COVID-19.

This does not mean you have to stay home or avoid seeing people but you may want to be more cautious about where you go and who you see.

Each of us needs to balance our own personal risk when it comes to resuming the activities you enjoyed before the spread of COVID‐19.

Vulnerable people

You do need to be careful around vulnerable people and NSW Health asks older and medically vulnerable people to limit their activities to protect themselves. 

NSW Health considers people are more vulnerable to coronavirus infection if they:

• have a compromised immune system, such as cancer
• have a diagnosed chronic medical condition
• are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• live in a group residential aged care facility.

If you have friends or family members who are vulnerable, you can help them by

• staying in touch, but not visiting vulnerable people if you are unwell
• dropping off groceries or other essentials if they need support.

Information and advice

You can call these free services for information about COVID-19 or help with home care, transport, social connection or financial support.

Service NSW

• Phone: 13 77 88
• Open: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Information about COVID-19 and NSW government services
• Service NSW website

National COVID older persons information line

• Phone: 1800 171 866
• Open: 8.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Closed public holidays.
• Practical help and advice on the current guidelines and support available.

Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)

• Phone: 1800 237 981
• Open: 6am to 10pm, 7 days a week
• The COVID-19 Information Line is available for seniors to talk about your COVID-19 concerns.
• Older Persons Advocacy Network website

Coronavirus disability information helpline

• Phone: 1800 643 787
• Open: 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday and 9am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday
• Information and referrals for people with disability who need help because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Department of Social Services website

National coronavirus helpline

• Phone: 1800 020 080
• Open: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Information on coronavirus (COVID-19) or help with the COVIDSafe app.
• Department of Health website

Translating and Interpreting Services

• Phone: 13 14 50
• 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Free help in your language.
• Translating and Interpreting Services website

National Relay Service

• Phone: 133 677
• Call the National Relay Service if you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment.
• National Relay Service website